Inode number
= Inode number
An <inode number> identifies an allocated <inode> within one <file system>. A <directory entry> stores a name and this number; it does not normally store the <file data block> addresses. Different volumes can reuse the same number for unrelated <files>, and a reclaimed number can later be reused on the same volume. This is therefore a local, current identity, rather than a permanent identifier.