Xfs_info, Xfs_check, Xfs_repair, Xfsdump and Xfsrestore

XFS is a high-performance filesystem designed for handling large files and large amounts of data. It offers advanced features like journaling, high capacity, and scalability. Here’s an overview of several key XFS utilities:

xfs_info

The xfs_info command provides detailed information about an XFS filesystem. It can be used to check filesystem parameters, configuration, and status.

Basic Syntax

xfs_info <mount-point>

• <mount-point>: The mount point of the XFS filesystem (e.g., /mnt/xfs).

Example

xfs_info /mnt/xfs

Output

The output will show details such as:

• Filesystem Geometry: Block size, number of blocks, etc.

• File System State: Status of the filesystem, including whether it is mounted.

xfs_check

The xfs_check command was used to verify the integrity of an XFS filesystem. However, this utility has been deprecated and replaced by xfs_repair for filesystem checking and repair tasks.

Basic Syntax

xfs_check <device>

• <device>: The device or partition of the XFS filesystem (e.g., /dev/sdX1).

Example

xfs_check /dev/sdX1

Note: Use xfs_repair for modern filesystem checks.

xfs_repair

The xfs_repair command is used to repair and check the integrity of XFS filesystems. It is a crucial tool for fixing filesystem inconsistencies and errors.

Basic Syntax

xfs_repair [options] <device>

• [options]: Command-line options for specific repair operations.

• <device>: The device or partition to repair (e.g., /dev/sdX1).

Common Options

• -n: No changes mode; performs a read-only check.

• -L: Clear the log and repair the filesystem (use with caution as it can result in data loss).

• -d: Enable debugging messages.

Example

To perform a repair on /dev/sdX1:

xfs_repair /dev/sdX1

xfsdump

The xfsdump command is used to create backups of XFS filesystems. It supports incremental backups, allowing for efficient storage and restoration.

Basic Syntax

xfsdump [options] <dump-device> <filesystem>

• [options]: Command-line options for backup operation.

• <dump-device>: The destination for the backup (e.g., /dev/st0 for tape).

• <filesystem>: The XFS filesystem to backup (e.g., /mnt/xfs).

Common Options

• -0: Full backup.

• -1: Incremental backup.

• -u: Update the backup (when used with incremental backups).

Example

To create a full backup of the XFS filesystem mounted at /mnt/xfs to a tape drive /dev/st0:

xfsdump -0 -f /dev/st0 /mnt/xfs

xfsrestore

The xfsrestore command is used to restore files from backups created by xfsdump. It supports both full and incremental restores.

Basic Syntax

xfsrestore [options] <restore-device> <filesystem>

• [options]: Command-line options for restoration.

• <restore-device>: The source for the backup (e.g., /dev/st0 for tape).

• <filesystem>: The directory to restore files to (e.g., /mnt/xfs).

Common Options

• -f: Specify the file or device from which to restore.

• -r: Restore the file system to a specified directory.

• -v: Verbose mode, displays detailed information during restoration.

Example

To restore a backup from tape /dev/st0 to /mnt/xfs:

xfsrestore -f /dev/st0 /mnt/xfs

Summary

• xfs_info: Displays detailed information about an XFS filesystem.

• xfs_check: Deprecated; previously used for checking filesystem integrity.

• xfs_repair: Repairs and checks the integrity of XFS filesystems.

• xfsdump: Creates backups of XFS filesystems, supports full and incremental backups.

• xfsrestore: Restores files from backups created by xfsdump.

These tools are essential for managing, backing up, and repairing XFS filesystems, providing comprehensive support for both maintenance and disaster recovery operations.