# Arla

> distributed file system, free branch of Andrew File System

**Wikidata**: [Q4792082](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4792082)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/arla

## Summary
Arla is a distributed file system that functions as a free branch of the Andrew File System (AFS). Developed by the Royal Institute of Technology, it is classified as a clustered file system designed to enable decentralized data storage and access across multiple nodes in a network.

## Key Facts
*   **Classification:** Instance of a clustered file system (decentralized filesystem).
*   **Nature:** A free branch of the Andrew File System (AFS).
*   **Developer:** Royal Institute of Technology.
*   **Version History:** Version 0.90 was released on January 10, 2007.
*   **Platform Support:** Available as a MacPorts port (`arla`).
*   **Website:** https://www.stacken.kth.se/project/arla/ (English).
*   **Identifiers:** Freebase ID `/m/0k00t`.
*   **Wikipedia Presence:** Has one sitelink on Chinese Wikipedia (zh).

## FAQs
### Q: What kind of file system is Arla?
A: Arla is a clustered file system, which is a type of decentralized filesystem. It allows multiple clients to access and operate on data across a network while supporting distributed storage across multiple nodes.

### Q: How is Arla related to the Andrew File System?
A: Arla is explicitly described as a "free branch" of the Andrew File System (AFS). This distinguishes it as an open or free implementation variant of the AFS architecture.

### Q: Who developed and maintains Arla?
A: The system was developed by the Royal Institute of Technology. The project maintains an official website hosted by Stacken (KTH).

### Q: What is the most recent known version of Arla?
A: According to sourced records, version 0.90 was released on January 10, 2007.

## Why It Matters
Arla represents a significant implementation in the landscape of distributed computing, specifically within the realm of academic and open-source software. By serving as a free branch of the Andrew File System, it provided a mechanism for users to utilize AFS architecture without the constraints of proprietary licensing, democratizing access to high-performance distributed storage. As a clustered file system, it addressed critical needs in distributed environments: enabling concurrent access to shared data, ensuring data consistency across networked nodes, and facilitating horizontal scaling of storage infrastructure. Its development by a major technical institute highlights the role of academic research in advancing network file system technologies.

## Notable For
*   Being a free implementation branch of the proprietary Andrew File System (AFS).
*   Enabling concurrent access to shared data across multiple nodes in a cluster.
*   Providing fault tolerance through data redundancy and distribution inherent to clustered file systems.
*   Facilitating decentralized storage capabilities distinct from single-machine file systems.

## Body
### Classification and Technical Context
Arla is technically classified as an **instance of a clustered file system**. In the broader taxonomy of storage, a clustered file system is a decentralized filesystem that allows multiple clients to access data across a network while supporting operations on that data. Unlike traditional file systems designed for single machines, Arla supports distributed storage and access across multiple nodes in a cluster.

It falls into the same category of related technologies as OrangeFS, Lustre, BeeGFS, Coda, and the Google File System. These systems are fundamental to modern distributed computing, solving critical problems regarding data consistency, availability, and scalability.

### Development and History
The development of Arla is attributed to the **Royal Institute of Technology**. The project has a documented release history, with **version 0.90** specifically recorded as being released on **January 10, 2007**. The software is categorized as a "free branch" of the Andrew File System, positioning it as an accessible tool for environments requiring AFS-compatible features in a free software package.

### Availability and Resources
Arla is accessible through various channels for users and developers. The official project website is hosted at `https://www.stacken.kth.se/project/arla/` and is available in English. For macOS users, Arla is available through the MacPorts package management system under the port name `arla`. The project has a limited but specific presence on the semantic web, identified by the Freebase ID `/m/0k00t` and linked via Chinese Wikipedia (`zh`).

## References

1. [Source](https://handwiki.org/wiki/Arla_(file_system))
2. [Source](https://lists.stacken.kth.se/pipermail/arla-drinkers/2007-January/004062.html)