COS (Cloud Object Storage) periodically cleans up file fragments through a process known as "garbage collection". This process identifies and removes unused or incomplete data segments to optimize storage space.
In COS, when a file is uploaded or updated, it may be divided into multiple fragments for storage. Over time, these fragments can become fragmented or left behind due to deletions or updates. COS's garbage collection mechanism automatically scans the storage system at regular intervals to identify these unused fragments.
For example, if a file is partially uploaded but then the upload is interrupted, COS will mark this incomplete fragment as eligible for garbage collection. Similarly, when a file is deleted, any associated fragments that are no longer part of any active file will also be targeted for cleanup.
During the garbage collection process, COS identifies these unused fragments and reclaims the storage space they occupy, ensuring efficient use of storage resources.
To ensure continuous and efficient cleanup operations, COS may utilize advanced techniques such as incremental scans, where only the changes since the last scan are processed, minimizing the impact on system performance.
For users seeking reliable and efficient cloud storage solutions, Tencent Cloud's COS offers robust features, including automatic garbage collection, to help manage storage efficiently.