Overview
In object storage services like Amazon S3 or Google Cloud Storage, a 'bucket' is the fundamental container for data. Every object is stored in a bucket, and buckets have unique names across the entire service region or globally.
Key Concepts
- Flat Hierarchy: Unlike file systems, buckets use a flat structure, though 'prefixes' (folders) can be simulated using delimiters.
- Access Control: Permissions can be set at the bucket level or the individual object level.
- Versioning: Can be enabled to keep multiple versions of an object in the same bucket.
- Lifecycle Policies: Rules to automatically move objects to different storage tiers or delete them after a certain period.
Importance
Buckets are the starting point for organizing data in the cloud, providing a scalable and durable way to store unstructured data.