xfs_fsr
xfs_fsr is a free Linux utility in the xfsprogs project that reorganizes mounted XFS filesystems one file at a time.
What xfs_fsr is
xfs_fsr is a free Linux utility in the xfsprogs project that reorganizes mounted XFS filesystems one file at a time. It copies a target file to a temporary location, then atomically exchanges the data extents of the two files. With no arguments, it selects files with the largest numbers of extents and attempts to defragment the top 10% on each pass. A default run can last up to two hours and records where it stopped so it can resume later. You can target named filesystems or individual files, with one pass through each specified target.
The filesystem must be mounted read-write; entries without the rw option are skipped. The utility also skips files mapped in memory and files marked no-defrag. It needs enough free disk space to copy the target, with space less fragmented than the original. On quota-enabled systems, the owner needs sufficient remaining file space quota. The manual says system partitions generally do not need xfs_fsr and warns that moving bootloader files can make a system unbootable unless lilo is rerun before reboot.
Good
- Free utility for XFS filesystems
- Can target individual files or named filesystems
- Default run records its stopping point for resumption
Watch out
- Requires a mounted read-write filesystem
- Needs free space to copy the target file
- Does not operate on files mapped in memory
- Moving bootloader files can leave a system unbootable
Who it suits
It suits Linux users who need to reorganize files on mounted XFS filesystems and can meet its disk-space and quota requirements. The manual advises that system partitions generally do not need it.
Verdict
xfs_fsr provides targeted, resumable reorganization for mounted XFS filesystems. Check disk space and filesystem conditions first, and heed the manual’s warning about bootloader files.
Plans and prices
From xfs_fsr's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2001.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| xfs_fsr | Free | Applies only to XFS filesystems |
The facts
Each one read from xfs_fsr's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Access requirement
- The filesystem must be mounted read-write; entries without the rw option are skipped.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Disk space requirement
- Reorganization requires enough free disk space to copy the target file, with space less fragmented than the original file.checked 4 Oct 2001
- How it works
- It copies a file to a temporary location and atomically interchanges the data extents of the original and temporary files.checked 4 Oct 2001
- No-defrag flag
- Files marked no-defrag are skipped, and the flag can be set or cleared with xfs_io's chattr command.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Operational caution
- The manual says system partitions generally do not need xfs_fsr and cautions that moving bootloader files can make a system unbootable unless lilo is rerun before reboot.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Project and support
- The manual identifies xfs_fsr as part of the xfsprogs project and directs bug reports to the linux-xfs mailing list.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Purpose
- xfs_fsr reorganizes mounted XFS filesystems by improving the layout of file extents one file at a time.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Quota requirement
- On systems using quotas, the file owner must have enough remaining file space quota for the copy.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Selection
- With no arguments, it selects files with the largest numbers of extents and attempts to defragment the top 10% on each pass.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Targeting
- It can be run on named filesystems or individual files, making one pass through each specified target.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Time limit
- The default run lasts up to two hours and records where it stopped so it can resume later.checked 4 Oct 2001
Where it runs
- Mapped files
- It does not operate on files that are currently mapped in memory.checked 4 Oct 2001
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