The lsblk command in Linux is a useful tool for listing information about block devices. Block devices include hard drives, partitions, and removable storage. In this tutorial, we'll cover 8 examples to help you understand and use lsblk effectively. Whether you're managing your server on a Windows VPS UK or any other Linux environment, this guide will help you monitor and work with storage devices.

1. Basic lsblk Command

The most basic use of the lsblk command is to list all available block devices:

lsblk

This will display a tree-like view of all block devices connected to your system, including their size, type, and mount points. This is especially helpful when managing storage on VPS Windows servers or other virtual environments like a UK Windows VPS.

2. List All Devices, Including Empty Devices

By default, lsblk does not show devices that do not have any partitions or mount points. To list all block devices, including empty ones, use the -a flag:

lsblk -a

3. Show Detailed Information

To see more detailed information about each block device, such as the UUID and file system type, you can use the -f option:

lsblk -f

This is particularly useful when setting up storage for a virtual private server hosting Windows or any Linux system.

4. Show Devices in a JSON Format

If you need to output the block device information in JSON format, which is helpful for scripting and automation, use the -J option:

lsblk -J

5. List Only Specific Columns

To customize the output and show only certain columns, use the -o option. For example, to show only the device name and size:

lsblk -o NAME,SIZE

This is useful when managing multiple virtual private servers and needing a concise output of device information.

6. Show Human-Readable Sizes

The lsblk command can display sizes in human-readable format (e.g., GB, MB). To enable this, use the -h option:

lsblk -h

7. Show Dependencies Between Devices

The -t option displays the tree structure of block devices, showing which devices are dependent on others (e.g., partitions on a disk):

lsblk -t

8. List Devices in Reverse Order

To display the list of block devices in reverse order, use the -r option:

lsblk -r

Conclusion

By using the lsblk command, you can easily monitor and manage block devices on your Linux server. Whether you're using a Windows VPS UK, Windows VPS Italy, or any other Windows Virtual Private Server Hosting solution, the lsblk command is an essential tool for managing storage efficiently.