LPIC-2 Practice Question: Block Devices, Filesystems and Advanced Storage
An administrator wants to convert an ext4 filesystem to Btrfs without losing data. Which procedure should be used?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse `btrfs-convert` with `mkfs.btrfs` or assume that a simple copy operation is sufficient, overlooking the fact that only `btrfs-convert` performs a true in-place filesystem conversion without data loss.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
btrfs-convert /dev/sda1
The correct procedure is to use `btrfs-convert /dev/sda1`, which is a dedicated tool that performs an in-place conversion of an existing ext2/3/4 filesystem to Btrfs while preserving all existing data. It works by creating a Btrfs filesystem that wraps the original ext4 data structures, then allowing a gradual migration to native Btrfs features via a background process.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
btrfs-convert /dev/sda1
Why this is correct
This command converts ext4 to Btrfs without data loss.
- ✗
mkfs.btrfs /dev/sda1
Why it's wrong here
This would destroy existing data.
- ✗
cp -a /mnt/ext4 /mnt/btrfs
Why it's wrong here
This copies data but requires a separate filesystem.
- ✗
btrfs device add /dev/sda1 /mnt
Why it's wrong here
This adds a device to an existing Btrfs, not convert.
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