block-storage
block-storage is an engineering AI skill with a core value of Manage block storage volumes and LVM. It
helps developers solve real-world problems in the engineering domain, boosting
efficiency, automating repetitive tasks, and optimizing workflows.
Manage block storage volumes and LVM. Configure cloud block storage and local disks. Use when managing disk storage.
Quick Facts
mkdir -p ./skills/block-storage && curl -sfL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sickn33/antigravity-awesome-skills/main/skills/block-storage/SKILL.md -o ./skills/block-storage/SKILL.md Run in terminal / PowerShell. Requires curl (Unix) or PowerShell 5+ (Windows).
Skill Content
# Block Storage
Manage block storage volumes including LVM, cloud-based EBS, filesystem creation, snapshots, and RAID configurations. Covers the full lifecycle from provisioning raw disks to extending volumes in production.
When to Use
- Adding, partitioning, or formatting new disks on Linux servers
- Managing LVM logical volumes for flexible storage allocation
- Provisioning and attaching cloud block storage (AWS EBS)
- Creating and restoring snapshots for backup or migration
- Configuring software RAID for redundancy or performance
- Extending existing volumes without downtime
Prerequisites
- Root or sudo access on the target system
- `lvm2` package installed for LVM operations
- `mdadm` package installed for software RAID
- AWS CLI configured for EBS operations
- Understanding of the workload's I/O characteristics (IOPS, throughput)
Disk Discovery and Partitioning
# List all block devices
lsblk
lsblk -f # Show filesystem types and mount points
# Show detailed disk information
fdisk -l /dev/sdb
# Identify disk model and health (requires smartmontools)
smartctl -a /dev/sda
smartctl -H /dev/sda # Quick health check
# Create a GPT partition table and a single partition
parted /dev/sdb mklabel gpt
parted /dev/sdb mkpart primary ext4 0% 100%
# Alternative: use fdisk for MBR partitioning
fdisk /dev/sdb
# n -> new partition, p -> primary, Enter defaults, w -> write
# Inform the kernel of partition table changes
partprobe /dev/sdb
# Wipe filesystem signatures (prepare for LVM or RAID)
wipefs -a /dev/sdb1Filesystem Creation and Management
# Create an ext4 filesystem
mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdb1
# Create an ext4 filesystem with label and reserved block tuning
mkfs.ext4 -L appdata -m 1 /dev/sdb1 # 1% reserved blocks (default is 5%)
# Create an XFS filesystem (recommended for large volumes)
mkfs.xfs /dev/sdb1
# Create an XFS filesystem with label
mkfs.xfs -L appdata /dev/sdb1
# Mount the filesystem
mkdir -p /data
mount /dev/sdb1 /data
# Add persistent mount to fstab (use UUID for reliability)
blkid /dev/sdb1 # Get the UUID
echo 'UUID=xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx /data ext4 defaults,noatime 0 2' >> /etc/fstab
# Mount all entries in fstab
mount -a
# Check and repair a filesystem (unmount first)
umount /data
fsck.ext4 -y /dev/sdb1
xfs_repair /dev/sdb1 # For XFS
# Resize ext4 (can grow online while mounted)
resize2fs /dev/sdb1
# Resize XFS (must be mounted to grow)
xfs_growfs /data
# Check filesystem usage
df -hTLVM Management
Creating an LVM Stack
# Step 1: Create physical volumes
pvcreate /dev/sdb /dev/sdc
# View physical volumes
pvs
pvdisplay /dev/sdb
# Step 2: Create a volume group from physical volumes
vgcreate data_vg /dev/sdb /dev/sdc
# View volume groups
vgs
vgdisplay data_vg
# Step 3: Create logical volumes
# Fixed size
lvcreate -L 100G -n app_lv data_vg
# Use percentage of free space
lvcreate -l 50%FREE -n logs_lv data_vg
# Use all remaining space
lvcreate -l 100%FREE -n backup_lv data_vg
# View logical volumes
lvs
lvdisplay /dev/data_vg/app_lv
# Step 4: Create filesystem and mount
mkfs.ext4 /dev/data_vg/app_lv
mkdir -p /data/app
mount /dev/data_vg/app_lv /data/app
# Add to fstab
echo '/dev/data_vg/app_lv /data/app ext4 defaults,noatime 0 2' >> /etc/fstabExtending Volumes (Online)
# Extend a logical volume by 20 GB
lvextend -L +20G /dev/data_vg/app_lv
# Extend to fill all free space in the VG
lvextend -l +100%FREE /dev/data_vg/app_lv
# Grow the ext4 filesystem (online, no unmount needed)
resize2fs /dev/data_vg/app_lv
# Grow XFS filesystem (online)
xfs_growfs /data/app
# Combined: extend LV and resize filesystem in one command
lvextend -L +20G --resizefs /dev/data_vg/app_lvAdding a New Disk to an Existing VG
# Add a new physical volume
pvcreate /dev/sdd
# Extend the volume group
vgextend data_vg /dev/sdd
# Now extend any logical volume using the new space
lvextend -l +100%FREE🎯 Best For
- Claude users
- AI users
💡 Use Cases
- Using block-storage in daily workflow
- Automating repetitive engineering tasks
📖 How to Use This Skill
- 1
Install the Skill
Copy the install command from the Terminal tab and run it. The SKILL.md file downloads to your local skills directory.
- 2
Load into Your AI Assistant
Open Claude and reference the skill. Paste the SKILL.md content or use the system prompt tab.
- 3
Apply block-storage to Your Work
Provide context for your task — paste source material, describe your audience, or share existing work to guide the AI.
- 4
Review and Refine
Edit the AI output for accuracy, tone, and completeness. Add human insight where the AI lacks context.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I install block-storage?
Copy the install command from the Terminal tab and run it. The skill downloads to ./skills/block-storage/SKILL.md, ready to use.
Can I customize this skill for my team?
Absolutely. Edit the SKILL.md file to add team-specific instructions, examples, or workflows.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not reading the full skill
Skills contain important context and edge cases beyond the quick start.