How it works
Snapshot semantics
Snapshots are point-in-time dataset views. Application consistency may require quiescing.
Incremental replication
An incremental stream requires the destination to have the correct common snapshot.
Recovery
Always practice restore to a separate target and verify data integrity.
Worked examples
Each example explains the question it answers, a reproducible starting point, what to look for, and operational precautions.
1. Snapshot
Use this as a starting point for snapshot.
zfs snapshot tank/apps@before-upgradeInterpretation: Check command output against the expected host configuration; record the before/after state.
Operational note: Run commands in a test environment first; confirm device names, privileges and release-specific options.
2. List snapshots
Use this as a starting point for list snapshots.
zfs list -t snapshot -r tank/appsInterpretation: Check command output against the expected host configuration; record the before/after state.
Operational note: Run commands in a test environment first; confirm device names, privileges and release-specific options.
3. Full send to file
Use this as a starting point for full send to file.
zfs send tank/apps@before-upgrade > /backup/apps.zfsInterpretation: Check command output against the expected host configuration; record the before/after state.
Operational note: Run commands in a test environment first; confirm device names, privileges and release-specific options.
4. Receive in test pool
Use this as a starting point for receive in test pool.
zfs receive backup/apps < /backup/apps.zfsInterpretation: Check command output against the expected host configuration; record the before/after state.
Operational note: Run commands in a test environment first; confirm device names, privileges and release-specific options.
5. Incremental send
Use this as a starting point for incremental send.
zfs send -i tank/apps@before-upgrade tank/apps@after-upgrade > /backup/apps-incremental.zfsInterpretation: Check command output against the expected host configuration; record the before/after state.
Operational note: Run commands in a test environment first; confirm device names, privileges and release-specific options.
Primary documentation
Read the relevant Oracle documentation for exact version-specific flags, supported platforms and limitations: Oracle primary reference ↗.
This field manual is independent, not affiliated with or endorsed by Oracle. Command examples should be adapted to your environment.