Some of the most popular disk image formats are basically a sparse file abstraction for non-sparse files and nothing more. You have a bunch of blocks, a table mapping each block to its virtual location, and a couple convenience headers.
If those count as a disk image when you put a filesystem inside, then I say a normal file is also a disk image when you put a filesystem inside.
Especially because the sparse mapping is optional. For example, lots of VHDs are a raw file plus a 512 byte footer.
If those count as a disk image when you put a filesystem inside, then I say a normal file is also a disk image when you put a filesystem inside.
Especially because the sparse mapping is optional. For example, lots of VHDs are a raw file plus a 512 byte footer.