πfs is a FUSE-based filesystem that stores file data by locating byte sequences within the digits of pi rather than on disk storage.
The project exploits the mathematical conjecture that pi is a normal number, meaning its hexadecimal digits contain every possible finite sequence. Rather than storing files conventionally, πfs records only the metadata—the locations within pi where each byte of a file can be found—while retrieving actual data on demand by computing pi digits at specific positions using the Bailey-Borwein-Plouffe formula. This approach trades computation and metadata storage for the elimination of traditional data storage.
This is a proof-of-concept project demonstrating an unconventional idea rather than a practical filesystem for real-world use. The tool suits developers interested in exploring mathematical properties of pi, understanding FUSE filesystem implementation, or appreciating creative approaches to theoretical computer science problems. It is not intended as a replacement for conventional storage solutions, as the computational overhead of locating and extracting bytes from pi vastly outweighs any practical benefit.
The README directs users to a successor project, inferencefs, indicating that development has moved in a new direction. The original πfs appears to be a completed exploration of a specific concept rather than an actively maintained system receiving ongoing improvements or feature additions.
