btrfs-balance:tldr:466a3

btrfs-balance: Convert data blocks to the raid6 and metadata to raid1c3 (see mkfs.btrfs(8) for profiles).

btrfs

$ sudo btrfs balance start -dconvert=${raid6} -mconvert=${raid1c3} ${path-to-btrfs_filesystem}

try on your machine

This command is used to initiate a balance operation on a Btrfs filesystem using the "btrfs balance" command. The balance operation helps to redistribute data across devices in order to optimize space utilization and performance.

Here's a breakdown of the command:

"sudo": This is a command used in Unix-like systems to run a command with administrative privileges. It allows the user to run commands as the superuser or another user.
"btrfs balance start": This is the main command to initiate a balance operation on a Btrfs filesystem.
"-dconvert=${raid6}": This option specifies the desired data profile conversion during the balance operation. In this case, the value of "${raid6}" would be replaced with the desired RAID level, such as RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 6.
"-mconvert=${raid1c3}": This option specifies the desired metadata profile conversion during the balance operation. Again, "${raid1c3}" would be replaced with the desired RAID level for metadata.
"${path-to-btrfs_filesystem}": This is the path to the Btrfs filesystem that needs to be balanced. Replace this with the actual path to your filesystem.

By running this command, the Btrfs filesystem will start a balance operation with the specified data and metadata profile conversions, redistributing the data across devices to meet the desired RAID levels.

This explanation was created by an AI. In most cases those are correct. But please always be careful and never run a command you are not sure if it is safe.

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