Web Hosting Secrets: Inodes

 

Although inode isn't the most important consideration when selecting a web host, it is one of the "nice to know" features, particularly if you're hosting multiple websites in one account.

What's an Inode?

Any time a file is generated or uploaded, an inode is created on your server. A data structure containing information about a specific file is generated when a file system is created. Of file has an "i-number" that corresponds to an inode number in the file system where it is stored.

File details such as file user and community ownership, access mode (read, write, execute permissions), and file types are stored in inodes. The number of inodes available for most file types is fixed when the file system is built.

Inodes = Devil in Unlimited Hosting Offers?

An inode is one of the few methods of limiting user consumption in "unlimited hosting plans." Hosting providers normally set a cap on inodes per account to keep server resources in check, and users who reach that limit will be suspended.

A few examples are given below.

By default, Hostgator users get 100,000 inodes per shared account. Users with more than 100,000 inodes will not be included in Hostgator's weekly backup, and once they reach 250,000 inodes, their account will be suspended.

Hostgator – If you reach 100,000 inodes, your weekly backup ceases, and your account can be suspended if you reach 250,000 inodes.

Per shared hosting account, Hostinger allows up to 250,000 visitors (see screenshot below).

👉 Also, you can read:HostGator Review

Most shared hosting plans now allow for up to 200,000 inodes per account, which is normally plenty.

However, not all providers are upfront about their inode limits. For instance, Bluehost listed account suspension/CPU throttle for CPU quota overuse (but not inodes). Lunarpages, on the other hand, only mentions inodes count on their wiki page but does not include precise numbers in their TOS.

Freeing Up Inodes in Your Hosting Account

Freeing up inodes on web hosting can also be as simple as getting rid of the garbage, as it is with all cluttered hard drives. If you're getting resource use alerts due to a high inode count, there are a few things you can do to free up space quickly with some housekeeping.

1. Clear your Cache

This is one of the first places you should look before touching something else, particularly if you've recently noticed a spike in traffic. Cache files are used by many websites (especially those that are CMS-driven).

They will easily bulk up if you miss any control settings, even if they are just temporary. If you're using a CMS plugin, clearing your cache will help you free up inodes quickly. Other sites can need more effort, and you may need to look for temporary files.

2. Lose Some Bulk

All of us make the mistake of not following proper housekeeping procedures. This means we build files and upgrade our sites on a regular basis – without getting rid of old garbage. This can cause issues in a variety of ways.

Keeping unused old files lying around, for example, is not only a waste of inode count, but it also raises your danger signature. If you're running out of space, do some spring cleaning and get rid of the clutter.

3. Email also Contributes to Inode Count

Keep in mind that if your hosting account includes email, your emails are also taken into account. Although an email may be an inode, each attachment it contains counts as one as well. If you're the sort who doesn't delete old emails, stuff will happen sooner or later.

Clean out your email files on a regular basis, and be sure to delete any junk mail. If you want to keep them, make a copy offline so your web server isn't clogged.