What is an Inode?
An inode is a data structure used by Unix-like systems (such as Linux and macOS) to store information about files and directories. Essentially, every file and directory on your RapidFreeHost account is an inode.
In simpler terms, if you have a lot of files and directories on your hosting account, you have a lot of inodes. However, there is a limit to how many inodes your file system can handle. Exceeding this limit can slow down your server because it takes longer to look up files. For more detailed information, check out the Wikipedia page on inodes.
Why Inodes Matter for Your Hosting Account
The inode counter in your RapidFreeHost control panel shows the number of files and directories on your website, accessible through FTP and the file manager. Note that databases and emails do not count towards your inode limit.
What Happens When You Reach the Inode Limit?
If you hit the inode limit on your RapidFreeHost account, you won’t be able to create new files or directories. While most of your website will still function, features that require file creation or uploads will stop working. To avoid this, it's crucial to monitor your inode usage and keep it below the limit.
Should You Be Worried About High Inode Usage?
Using a significant number of inodes is common, especially if you have large software suites or multiple websites with various plugins and themes. Reaching 40-60% of your inode limit is normal and not a cause for concern. As long as your inode usage stays below 80%, you’re in a safe zone.
How to Reduce Inode Usage
Reducing inode usage is straightforward: delete unnecessary files and directories. Here are some tips:
Multiple Domains: If you have multiple domains on your account, consider moving some to separate hosting accounts within the same client profile. Remember, you can have up to 3 hosting accounts.
Old Domain Files: If you’ve removed a domain from your account, its files remain unless manually deleted. Clear out directories for any old domains.
Unused Code: Delete any old code, plugins, or themes you no longer use.
Uploaded Files: For a large number of uploaded files, like images, consider using an external file or image hosting service.
Can You Increase the Inode Limit?
On RapidFreeHost’s free hosting plans, the inode limit cannot be increased. However, upgrading your account removes this limit entirely, offering more flexibility and space.
Why Doesn’t My Inode Usage Decrease Immediately After Deleting Files?
The inode counter in the control panel updates every 8 hours. So if you’ve recently deleted many files, wait a bit for the counter to reflect these changes.
What Does the Inode Limit Mean for Your Website?
The inode limit is the maximum number of files and directories your hosting account can store. Reaching this limit means you can’t create new files or directories, which could disrupt parts of your website that rely on these operations.
By understanding and managing your inode usage, you can ensure your website runs smoothly without unexpected interruptions. If you find your needs exceeding the free plan’s limits, consider upgrading your RapidFreeHost account to remove the inode limit and enjoy greater flexibility.
