Read files from hdfs

[Hassen Riahi]

Hi all,

is the read operation of 1 file stored in hdfs done in parallel?
I mean let's say that I have 1 file split in 2 blocks (hdfs block) and  
each block is stored in 1 rack.
When reading this file, both blocks are read in parallel? or the first  
block is read and then once done the read of the second block begins?  
If the later is right, the read of files in hdfs is then sequential.  
is it right or am I missing something?

Thanks,
Hassen