Explore2fs
Explore2fs is an open-source graphical tool for exploring ext2, ext3, and ext4 filesystems in Linux. It allows visualizing filesystem metadata and content to diagnose issues or recover deleted files.
ext2
ext3
ext4
filesystem
linux
open-source
graphical
diagnostic
recovery
Explore2fs: Open-Source Graphical Tool
Graphical tool for exploring ext2, ext3, and ext4 filesystems in Linux, visualizing metadata and content for diagnosing issues or recovering deleted files.
What is Explore2fs?
Explore2fs is an open source graphical utility for exploring and troubleshooting Linux ext2, ext3, and ext4 filesystems. It provides an intuitive graphical interface for visualizing key filesystem metadata and content to help diagnose issues or recover deleted files.
Some key features of Explore2fs include:
- Browsing inodes and directory structures
- Viewing file and directory attributes like permissions, ownership, timestamps
- Searching for filenames and file content
- Analyzing unused space for recovering previously deleted files
- Examining superblock and group descriptor backup metadata
Developed by Theodore Ts'o, the chief developer of ext filesystems, Explore2fs goes beyond command-line tools like dumpe2fs and debugfs to enable easier visual inspection and troubleshooting. It runs on Linux using either GTK or Qt widget toolkits. The simple point-and-click interface makes it accessible for less technical Linux users as well.
With robust support for analyzing and manipulating Linux ext filesystem internals, Explore2fs is invaluable for diagnosing corrupted filesystems, recovering lost data after accidental deletes or crashes, forensics analysis, and general filesystem debugging/optimization for developers and power users.
Explore2fs Features
Features
- Graphical user interface for exploring ext2/ext3/ext4 filesystems
- View inode and block information
- Browse directory structures
- View file content
- Search for deleted files
- Restore deleted files
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Easy to use graphical interface
No need for command line skills
Helpful for diagnosing filesystem issues
Can recover deleted files
Open source and free
Cons
Only works for ext2/ext3/ext4 filesystems
Less powerful than command line tools for experts
File recovery not guaranteed
Requires installing separate software
Official Links
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