How to use the command 'mkisofs' (with examples)

mkisofs is a versatile command-line utility used for creating ISO (International Organization for Standardization) image files from directories. ISO files are optical disc image files that can be used for distributing large sets of files, making backups, or creating bootable media. The command mkisofs is also known as genisoimage, and it provides several options to customize the ISO file creation process.

Use case 1: Creating an ISO from a directory

Code:

mkisofs -o filename.iso path/to/source_directory

Motivation:

Creating an ISO from a directory is a common requirement for backing up files, distributing software, or preparing data for optical disc writing. ISO image files encapsulate a file or directory structure into a single file, making it convenient to transport across systems or manage as a standalone archive. By using mkisofs, users can efficiently compile a directory and its contents into an ISO file, preserving the file hierarchy and metadata.

Explanation:

• mkisofs: This is the command being invoked to create the ISO image.
• -o filename.iso: The -o option specifies the output file name. In this example, the final output will be named filename.iso.
• path/to/source_directory: This indicates the directory whose contents will be included in the ISO image. The path should be replaced with the actual path of the directory you wish to archive.

Example Output:

Upon successful execution of the command, an ISO file named filename.iso will be created in the current working directory. The output to the terminal might look like this:

INFO: mkisofs 3.02a07. Your disc is ready to be used.

Use case 2: Setting the disc label when creating an ISO

Code:

mkisofs -o filename.iso -V "label_name" path/to/source_directory

Motivation:

Setting a disc label is beneficial for identifying the purpose or contents of an ISO file, especially when multiple images are being managed. The disc label acts as a human-readable descriptor for the ISO, which can appear when the media is mounted on a computer. This labeling feature helps in cataloging and quickly navigating through different ISO files without having to examine their contents.

Explanation:

• mkisofs: This is the command being run to generate the ISO image.
• -o filename.iso: The -o option dictates the name of the output ISO file.
• -V "label_name": The -V option sets the volume name or disc label for the ISO, providing a recognizable name for the image. In the quoted portion "label_name", users should assign their preferred label that describes the ISO’s content or purpose.
• path/to/source_directory: This is the directory path that will be encapsulated in the ISO image.

Example Output:

After running this command, an ISO named filename.iso will be created with a volume label set to "label_name". When this ISO is mounted, the volume label will be displayed as the disc name on most operating systems. Feedback from the tool in the terminal will be similar to:

INFO: mkisofs with volume label "label_name". Your disc is ready with label assigned.

Conclusion:

The mkisofs command is a powerful tool for creating ISO images from directories, providing flexibility and customization for users’ archiving and distribution needs. Whether users need to archive data, distribute software, or manage images with specific volume labels, mkisofs offers a reliable solution. By understanding the command’s options and syntax, users can efficiently produce ISO files that meet their unique requirements.