Accessing the powerful Btrfs snapshot features with Snapper
Snap Stack

© Lead Image © ssilver, 123RF.com
Snapper lets you restore a system to its previous state – with a little help from Btrfs snapshots.
The openSUSE project believes in the Btrfs filesystem [1]. Btrfs has been the filesystem for the root partition since openSUSE 13.2 and version 12 of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES).
Work on the Btrfs filesystem has been going on for about eight years. Btrfs, like ZFS [2], relies on functions that are not usually included in a filesystem's repertoire. In addition to an extended storage area, Btrfs includes support for RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, as well as snapshots, subvolumes, and the ability to defragment partitions during operation. You can even convert ext3/4 partitions to Btrfs, after creating a backup, using the btrfs-convert
command from the Btrfs-tools package.
A tool called Snapper leverages the powers of Btrfs to provide what the developers call "the ultimate snapshot tool for Linux." Snapper offers a variety of convenient features for recording the system state. According to the Snapper portal at the openSUSE site, "Apart from the obvious creation and deletion of snapshots, Snapper can compare snapshots and revert differences between snapshots. In simple terms, this capability allows root and non-root users to view older versions of files and revert changes."
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.