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Asked: 2024-09-24T10:27:17+05:30 In:

How can I track the progress of a dd command in Ubuntu during disk copying or writing operations?

I’ve been diving into using the `dd` command on my Ubuntu system for some disk copying and writing tasks, and while I find it super powerful, there’s one thing that’s been bugging me. You know that feeling when you run a command and then you’re just left staring at your terminal wondering if it’s doing anything or if you just messed something up? Yeah, that’s where I’m at right now.

So, here’s the scenario: I recently needed to clone a drive, and after reading up on `dd`, I decided to give it a shot. I ran the command, and it started executing, but I have no idea how to track its progress. I mean, I want to be confident that it’s actually working and that I haven’t accidentally sent my data into a black hole. It feels like I’ve hit “send” on an important email, and I’m just there watching the spinning wheel.

I’ve seen people mention using `pv` to visualize the progress, but I’m not entirely sure how to incorporate that into my command. Do I need to install it first, or is there some kind of magic flag I can throw into my `dd` command that’s going to give me some real-time feedback?

Also, I read somewhere that adding `status=progress` can be helpful, but would that work with all versions of `dd`? Is there a chance it’s only available in newer versions, and what if I’m stuck on an older one?

Any tips, tricks, or maybe even a step-by-step guide on how to see what’s happening while `dd` is running would be greatly appreciated. I really want to be able to monitor my progress without constantly looking over my shoulder and fearing the worst. Has anyone been through this, and how did you solve it? Looking forward to any advice you can throw my way. Thanks!

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    2 Answers



    1. Tracking dd Progress in Ubuntu

      Tracking dd Command Progress

      If you’re diving into the `dd` command and feeling a bit lost while waiting for it to finish, you’re not alone! It’s a powerful tool, but watching a blank terminal can feel like a game of “Will it or won’t it?” Here’s how to keep an eye on what’s happening.

      Using pv to Monitor Progress

      You can indeed use `pv` (Pipe Viewer) to visualize the progress of your `dd` command. First, you might need to install `pv` if it’s not already on your system. You can install it by running: 

      sudo apt-get install pv

      Once it’s installed, you can use it in your command like this: 

      dd if=/dev/source of=/dev/destination bs=64K | pv | dd of=/dev/destination

      This way, you’ll see a nice progress bar while your data is being transferred!

      Using dd’s Built-in Progress Display

      If you don’t want to mess with `pv`, you can also add a simple flag to your `dd` command. Just include `status=progress` at the end of your command. Here’s what it would look like: 

      dd if=/dev/source of=/dev/destination bs=64K status=progress

      This should provide real-time feedback in newer versions of `dd`. If you’re on an older version and don’t see the progress output, it’s worth checking for updates to your system to get the latest `dd` features.

      Using Ctrl+T

      Another trick you might find helpful is pressing Ctrl+T while `dd` is running. This sends a signal that can show you the current status of your process, but keep in mind it might not be available in all terminal setups.

      Privacy is Key

      Remember, when cloning drives or copying sensitive data, it’s good to ensure you know exactly where your data is going and that you’re not sending it to the wrong place. Double-check your if (input file) and of (output file) parameters before you hit enter!

      Conclusion

      With these tips, you should be able to keep an eye on your `dd` tasks. Whether you go with `pv`, the built-in `status=progress`, or even the `Ctrl+T` trick, you won’t have to wonder if your data is just floating away into cyberspace!


    2. When using the `dd` command on your Ubuntu system for tasks like disk cloning, it can indeed be stressful to not see any feedback during the operation. Fortunately, there are a couple of effective ways to monitor progress. First, if you’re using a version of `dd` that supports it, you can add the `status=progress` flag at the end of your command. For example, your command might look like this: dd if=/dev/source of=/dev/destination status=progress. This will output periodic updates on the data transfer process right in your terminal, allowing you to keep track of how much data has been copied and the speed of the operation. The `status=progress` option was introduced in GNU coreutils 8.24, so if you’re running an older version, it may not be available. You can check your version by running the command dd --version.

      If your version of `dd` does not support the `status` option, `pv` (pipe viewer) is a fantastic alternative for monitoring progress. To use `pv`, you’ll first need to install it if it’s not already available on your system. You can do this by running sudo apt install pv. Once installed, you can pipe the output of your `dd` command through `pv` to see real-time progress and transfer speed. For instance, your command would look something like this: dd if=/dev/source | pv | dd of=/dev/destination. This way, you can visualize how much data is being transferred without the anxiety of guessing whether the process is moving forward. With these methods, you should feel more at ease during your disk copying tasks while using `dd`.

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