dbz2: add sparse file support
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- Dominant language
- C
- Stars
- 200
- Forks
- 85
- Avg merge
- 3d 21h
- Merged PRs (30d)
- 2
Description
When compressing a sparse file with dbz2, it would help to only read the valid file extents.
When decompressing a sparse file, it would help to only write the non-zero blocks.
When storing the file in compressed form, assuming a good compression algorithm the compressed file itself is likely to be non-sparse, so we probably don't need to worry about it.
Contributor guide
First steps
- Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
- Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
- Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
- Open a pull request that references the issue number.
Research direction
Start at the dbz2 compression and decompression entry points, then trace how file extents and blocks are read and written. Determine how to read only valid sparse-file extents during compression and write only non-zero blocks during decompression. Done means sparse inputs avoid unnecessary I/O while the resulting files retain their expected contents and layout.
Written by the indexing model from the issue text.
Assessment
- Tech stack
- c
- Domain
- cli, tooling
- Issue type
- Feature
- Difficulty
- 4/5
- Estimated time
- 3-5 days
- Activity status
- Stale
- Clarity
- Mostly clear
- Newbie friendliness
- 42/100