[linux-lvm] Doc or definition of max_archives setting for lvm.conf?

[Zdenek Kabelac]

Dne 11.2.2014 17:00, Gary Eheman napsal(a):
> There is an example syntax reference to a variable named "max_archives" in the
> man page for lvm.conf, but it does not provide a definition for the variable.
> The actual lvm.conf on my distribution contains no references or comments to
> enlighten me on the specifics for max_archives.  While the variable name
> certainly gives me the clue that it is likely that not more than that many
> archive files would exist in the archive directory, can someone provide a more
> detailed description?
>
> Since I can make no assumptions on this system, is it the case that if the
> max_archives specified in lvm.conf is reached that the oldest archive is
> automatically deleted as the newest one is created?
>
> I have a lot of snapshot activity on the system where I want to implement
> max_archives, and the number of archives keeps growing.  Naturally, I have not
> yet reached the retain_days number of days, but would like to keep the number
> of archives below a reasonable number before retain_days might be reached.


# Configuration of metadata backups and archiving.  In LVM2 when we
# talk about a 'backup' we mean making a copy of the metadata for the
# *current* system.  The 'archive' contains old metadata configurations.
# Backups are stored in a human readable text format.
backup {

     # Should we maintain a backup of the current metadata configuration ?
     # Use 1 for Yes; 0 for No.
     # Think very hard before turning this off!
     backup = 1

     # Where shall we keep it ?
     # Remember to back up this directory regularly!
     backup_dir = "/etc/lvm/backup"

     # Should we maintain an archive of old metadata configurations.
     # Use 1 for Yes; 0 for No.
     # On by default.  Think very hard before turning this off.
     archive = 1

     # Where should archived files go ?
     # Remember to back up this directory regularly!
     archive_dir = "/etc/lvm/archive"

     # What is the minimum number of archive files you wish to keep ?
     retain_min = 10

     # What is the minimum time you wish to keep an archive file for ?
     retain_days = 30
}


Zdenek