blkzone - Linux

Overview

blkzone is a utility for manipulating block zone (BZ) files used by the Linux Logical Volume Manager (LVM). BZ files contain metadata about logical volumes (LVs) and physical volumes (PVs) in an LVM volume group.

Syntax

blkzone [options] <command> <device>

Options/Flags

  • -f: Force the operation even if it might cause data loss.
  • -h: Print help and exit.
  • -i: Ignore any existing BZ file.
  • -v: Verbose output.
  • -V: Print version and exit.

Commands

create

  • -s : Size of the BZ file in bytes (default: 4096).
  • -t : Type of BZ file (default: raid).

delete

  • -a: Delete all BZ files from the device.

list

  • -a: List all BZ files on the device.
  • -O : Specify which columns to display (default: all).

read

  • -o : Offset in the BZ file to read from (default: 0).
  • -l : Length of data to read (default: all).

write

  • -o : Offset in the BZ file to write to (default: 0).
  • -l : Length of data to write (default: all).
  • -D : Data to write (default: zeros).

Examples

Create a new BZ file:

blkzone create /dev/sdc -s 8192 -t raid

Delete all BZ files from a device:

blkzone delete -a /dev/sdb

List all BZ files on a device:

blkzone list /dev/sda

Read the first 1024 bytes from a BZ file:

blkzone read /dev/sdc -o 0 -l 1024

Write the string "Hello World" to a BZ file:

blkzone write /dev/sdc -o 1024 -l 11 -D "Hello World"

Common Issues

  • Error: No such device: Ensure that the provided device exists and is accessible by the user.
  • Error: Permission denied: Ensure that the user has sufficient permissions to perform the operation on the device.
  • Error: Invalid BZ file: The BZ file may be corrupt or invalid. Try deleting it and creating a new one.

Integration

blkzone can be integrated with other LVM tools to manage and manipulate BZ files. For example:

  • lvcreate -Z : Create an LV using the specified BZ file.
  • pvcreate -b : Create a PV using the specified BZ file.
  • vgextend -b : Extend a VG using the specified BZ file.

Related Commands

  • lvscan: Scan for and display information about LVs.
  • pvscan: Scan for and display information about PVs.
  • lvcreate: Create an LV.
  • pvcreate: Create a PV.
  • vgextend: Extend a VG.