What does block storage improve in terms of data handling?

Block storage improves data handling primarily by speeding up data access, which is achieved by storing data in segments. In block storage, information is divided into fixed-sized blocks, with each block assigned a unique identifier. This enables efficient access since the system can retrieve the needed blocks independently without needing to read the entire file. Consequently, applications can benefit from faster read and write operations, making block storage particularly suitable for scenarios that require high-performance data processing, such as databases and virtual machines.

By segmenting data, block storage allows for more efficient management and quicker access times compared to other storage methods, such as file storage, where data may be accessed as a whole. This capability is essential in environments requiring rapid data retrieval and processing, enhancing overall system performance.