imagesquashfs

Imagesquashfs is a command-line utility designed to create SquashFS filesystem images from a directory tree. SquashFS is a compressed read-only filesystem used to efficiently store and distribute data, frequently employed in embedded devices, live media, and container images. Imagesquashfs produces a single image file that encapsulates the contents of a source directory for mounting on Linux systems that support SquashFS.

Operation and features: Imagesquashfs typically accepts a source directory and outputs a .sqfs or similar image file. It offers options to select the compression method, tune block size, and control how filesystem metadata is preserved. Supported features often align with the capabilities of SquashFS tooling, including preservation of permissions, timestamps, and symbolic links, as well as optional handling of extended attributes and access control lists where supported. The tool is commonly integrated into build pipelines and may invoke underlying SquashFS utilities to perform the actual image construction.

Typical use cases: Creating compact, read-only root filesystems for embedded boards, packaging software for distribution, or assembling live or recovery media. Imagesquashfs is valued for producing reproducible images that can be mounted and inspected on compatible Linux systems.

Compatibility and dependencies: The tool requires Linux and access to SquashFS tooling. It relies on the same concepts as other SquashFS utilities, and usage may vary with different versions or distributions. Users should consult the specific project documentation for exact command syntax and supported options.

See also: SquashFS, mksquashfs, squashfs-tools, embedded Linux, Buildroot, Yocto Project.