Create "thincopy": with fileystem metadata only?

[Peter B.]

Dear Roland,

On 12/10/24 21:15, Roland Kletzing wrote:
> hello,
> that sounds interesting - just one question:  what about file size? is
> it always zero or is it set to the original size and the file contents
> are empty ?

The filesize (IMO) should stay 0 bytes, since the file actually /is/ empty.
I believe forging the filesize number in the filesystem to its source 
(original) size would be more misleading than helpful...

When working with xattrs, one gets used to 0-Byte files pretty quickly 
though :)

However, I like to store the original filesize as "yet-another" metadata 
key/value xattr information with the 0-Byte files. Works like a charm 
and so it's clear that "there is no payload" - but it's a stub, 
referring to another file.


Regards,
Peter