ext4 vs btrfs, and with btrfs do I still need to use LVM?
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ext4 vs btrfs, and with btrfs do I still need to use LVM?
Hi,
I was thinking of switching to btrfs when Slackware 14.0 is released. I would be using it on my desktop. I was wondering what are it's advantages over ext4 in it's current state, under the kernel that is going to be used in Slackware 14.0? Also, if I make the switch to btrfs, will I still need to use an LVM? I have read that it can pretty much do everything LVM can do, and that you don't need to use one to get it's features. Is this true?
Might look at the arguments in web pages of ZFS versus BTRFS for clues to any advantages. Those pages tend to have lists for what one does versus the other.
What do you need to have?
Install btrfs tools or see man page for simple commands.
I have used btrfs for years - never had a problem I didn't cause myself. Deliberately, that is.
Well, that and the fact apt performs appallingly (er, did in the past anyway) on btrfs due to all the fsyncs it (apt) does.
More than happy - just watch the space snaps can chew up. Time is very close where btrfs will be the default on (some) Enterprise Linuces. Says it all IMHO.
Oops - forgot the (main) question. Nope, you shouldn't need LVM unless you insist on a RAID level not yet available on btrfs
Last edited by syg00; 08-17-2012 at 04:16 AM.
Reason: Oops
From what I see, btrfsck is still not complete. I don't think any sane Enterprise Linux would ever consider using it until it is complete. I sure won't use it until btrfsck is complete, working, and tested. My data is far more important than some supposed performance benefits. Sure, I do backup my data, but I don't rely on my backups completely either.
I think I'm going to try it. It has some really neat features, and it will be interesting trying something new, and it seems stable enough. I'll just keep backups, and if something goes belly up, I can just reinstall and restore everything from the backup.
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