Fast read operation utilizing reduced storage of metadata in a distributed encoded storage system

A computer-implemented method, comprising:

• encoding a data object into a plurality of encoded data fragments;
• transmitting each one of the plurality of encoded data fragments to a backend of a distributed encoded data storage system, for distribution across a plurality of backend storage elements, wherein the distribution of the plurality of encoded data fragments across the plurality of backend storage elements provides a specific level of redundancy;
• for each one of the plurality of encoded data fragments, storing a corresponding fragment identifier and associated metadata in a first section of a single metadata unit;
• storing an initial part of the data object in a second section of the single metadata unit;
• encoding the single metadata unit into a plurality of encoded metadata fragments;
• transmitting each one of the plurality of encoded metadata fragments to the backend of the distributed encoded data storage system for distribution across the plurality of backend storage elements, wherein the distribution of the plurality of encoded metadata fragments across the plurality of backend storage elements provides the specific level of redundancy;
• associating fragment identifiers corresponding to the encoded metadata fragments with the data object;
• storing the fragment identifiers corresponding to the encoded metadata fragments in a frontend storage element, wherein the frontend storage element provides faster access to stored content than backend storage elements;
• receiving a request from a client application to access the data object;
• retrieving the fragment identifiers corresponding to the encoded metadata fragments from the frontend storage element, responsive to receiving the request to access the data object from the client application;
• retrieving the encoded metadata fragments from the backend of the distributed encoded data storage system;
• decoding the single metadata unit using the retrieved encoded metadata fragments;
• retrieving the initial part of the data object from the second section of the single metadata unit;
• and
• transmitting the initial part of the data object to the client application to begin processing the data object.