Linux Kernel 7.4 Improves Virtual File System Open Performance
A new Virtual File System layer optimization in Linux 7.4 delivers up to a 39% performance increase for read-only file open operations by reducing kernel overhead.
Linux 7.4 brings a Virtual File System layer optimization that cuts overhead in the do_open() function.
You get up to a 39% performance increase for read-only file open operations. This optimization targets inefficiencies in the file opening path by reducing the time spent in kernel space during standard open requests, specifically lowering the overhead tied to establishing file descriptors and accessing file system metadata.
Performance gains vary by hardware and file system. Kernel contributors audited and refined the Virtual File System layer to achieve this measurable latency reduction for systems running high-frequency file read operations, letting developers building applications that rely on rapid file access see the changes in the upcoming release.