Embedded reference counts for file clones

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing instructions, that when executed, control a computer system to be operable for:

• receiving an instruction to remove the file clone from the filesystem, wherein the file clone is a point-in-time copy of metadata of an original file;
• for a file map entry in a filesystem tree associated with the file clone, the file map entry identifying a data block:
• decrementing a reference count in a reference count entry associated with the file map entry, wherein the reference count entry is stored in the filesystem tree according to a key and the key comprises an identification of the original file;
• and
• reclaiming the data block in a storage system based on the reference count, wherein the data block is reclaimed when the reference count is zero.

An apparatus comprising:

• one or more computer processors;
• and
• a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions, that when executed, control the one or more computer processors to be operable for:
• receiving an instruction to remove the file clone from the filesystem, wherein the file clone is a point-in-time copy of metadata of an original file;
• for a file map entry in a filesystem tree associated with the file clone, the file map entry identifying a data block:
• decrementing a reference count in a reference count entry associated with the file map entry, wherein the reference count entry is stored in the filesystem tree according to a key and the key comprises an identification of the original file;
• and
• reclaiming the data block in a storage system based on the reference count, wherein the data block is reclaimed when the reference count is zero.