Re: Inquiry: disk format change in the future

[Ryusuke Konishi <ryusuke-sG5X7nlA6pw@public.gmane.org>]

(reply added to "Yann E. MORIN")

Hi,
On Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:31:56 +0200, "Yann E. MORIN" wrote:
> Hello All!
> 
> I've searched the archives, but could not find the answer to the
> following questions:
> 
>  - will there be, or what is the probability of, a disk format change
>    in the near future (few months)?

We still have some possibilities for the format change at this time.

Basically I intend to keep the disk format, but some new features like

- Extended attributes, ACLs
- Rollback
- Checkpoint based remote replication

may require it.  So far, we haven't seen any specific requisition.
 
>  - if so, what would be the plan for migrating existing file systems
>    to the new format?

In that case, I think we should provide a migration tool along with
the change.
 
> I'm contemplating using nilfs2 as the file system for my server, as
> it offers all the features I need. OTOH, I would be quite disapointed
> if migrating my existing file systems to the new format would imply
> (too long a) down-time.

Quite right.  I think it's good if the garbage collector or something
can convert the disk format running background.

> Anyway, keep up the very good work! nilfs2 is very nice! :-)

Thank you!

Ryusuke Konishi