How to use the command 'linode-cli volumes' (with examples)

The linode-cli volumes command is part of the Linode CLI (Command Line Interface) that allows users to manage block storage volumes on their Linode cloud instances. Block storage is a great solution for temporary or persistent storage, and it can be easily attached or detached from Linode instances as needed. Using the command line for managing volumes provides a quick and automated way to script or customize storage operations, making infrastructure management more efficient and seamless.

Use case 1: List current Volumes

Code:

linode-cli volumes list

Motivation:

Listing current volumes is an essential operation for gaining a clear understanding of all the block storage resources associated with your Linode account. This helps in monitoring available storage, checking for unutilized volumes that can be cleaned up, and planning for potential scaling of resources. By providing a comprehensive list of all volumes, you can efficiently manage storage costs and ensure that your infrastructure only maintains necessary resources.

Explanation:

• linode-cli volumes: This part of the command invokes the volumes management feature of the Linode CLI.
• list: This is the specific command used to retrieve and display all the existing block storage volumes associated with your Linode account.

Example output:

ID      Label          Size(GB)   Status   Linode ID
12345   my_volume_1    50         active   67890
12346   my_volume_2    100        active   67891

Use case 2: Create a new Volume and attach it to a specific Linode

Code:

linode-cli volumes create --label volume_label --size size_in_GB --linode-id linode_id

Motivation:

Creating a new volume and attaching it directly to a Linode instance streamlines the setup process for applications that require additional storage. For instance, if a new database instance is to be deployed, attaching a dedicated storage volume ensures that data is organized and easily manageable. Automating this process through the CLI reduces setup times and ensures consistency across deployments.

Explanation:

• create: This action initializes the creation of a new block storage volume.
• --label volume_label: The --label argument assigns a human-readable name to the volume, making it easier to identify and manage. Replace volume_label with your desired name for the volume.
• --size size_in_GB: This specifies the size of the volume in gigabytes. Replace size_in_GB with the actual numeric size you require.
• --linode-id linode_id: This links the new volume to a specific Linode instance by its ID, enabling immediate utilization. Replace linode_id with the actual ID of your Linode.

Example output:

Volume created and attached successfully.
ID      Label          Size(GB)   Status   Linode ID
12347   new_volume     50         active   67892

Use case 3: Attach a Volume to a specific Linode

Code:

linode-cli volumes attach volume_id --linode-id linode_id

Motivation:

Attaching an existing volume to a specific Linode instance is crucial when you need to extend storage or move data resources between instances. An example scenario could be migrating application data from one Linode instance to another to balance load or upgrade the application’s server environment.

Explanation:

• attach: This command attaches an existing volume to a specified Linode instance.
• volume_id: This is the unique identifier of the volume to attach. Replace volume_id with your existing volume’s ID.
• --linode-id linode_id: This specifies the target Linode instance by ID to which the volume is to be attached. Replace linode_id with your target Linode’s ID.

Example output:

Volume attached successfully.

Use case 4: Detach a Volume from a Linode

Code:

linode-cli volumes detach volume_id

Motivation:

Detaching a volume is a necessary step when you want to safely remove storage from a Linode instance, perhaps for maintenance, migration, or to reattach it to another instance. This ensures that data integrity is maintained while the volume’s data becomes temporarily inaccessible to the initial Linode instance.

Explanation:

• detach: This command removes the attachment of the specified volume from the Linode instance.
• volume_id: This is the unique identifier of the volume you wish to detach. Replace volume_id with the correct ID of your volume.

Example output:

Volume detached successfully.

Use case 5: Resize a Volume

Code:

linode-cli volumes resize volume_id --size new_size_in_GB

Motivation:

Resizing a volume is often required when the storage needs of the application grow beyond the originally allocated size. By increasing a volume’s size, you ensure more space without data loss or significant downtime. This is particularly useful for expanding databases or file storage systems that accumulate data over time.

Explanation:

• resize: This command allows for increasing the size of an existing volume.
• volume_id: This represents the volume’s unique identifier that you intend to resize. Replace this with the target volume’s ID.
• --size new_size_in_GB: This specifies the new desired size for the volume. Note that the size can only be increased, not decreased. Replace new_size_in_GB with the desired increased size.

Example output:

Volume resized successfully.

Use case 6: Delete a Volume

Code:

linode-cli volumes delete volume_id

Motivation:

Deleting a volume is necessary to clean up unused resources, potentially reducing storage costs and keeping your infrastructure tidy. This action is particularly beneficial when volumes are no longer needed after projects conclude or data is archived elsewhere.

Explanation:

• delete: This command removes the specified volume permanently.
• volume_id: This is the identifier of the volume you wish to delete. Ensure the data on it is backed up if needed before deletion.

Example output:

Volume deleted successfully.

Conclusion:

Understanding and effectively utilizing the linode-cli volumes command optimizes the management of block storage resources on Linode cloud instances. These operations streamline everyday tasks such as storage allocation, attachment, and resizing, supporting a scalable and maintainable cloud infrastructure. By leveraging these CLI commands, users can facilitate efficient infrastructure operations, tailoring storage use directly to application demands.