What's the difference between /dev/sda1 and /dev/xvda1?

Question

The Linux Operating System uses /dev/sda1, /dev/xvda1, etc., to identify block storage devices. From looking at their names, what's the difference between these two devices?

Answer 1

The /dev/sda device is provided for support of legacy devices and installations that don't understand Xen native virtual disks. The /dev/xvda1 device is the native device and the one you should use.