I build small, focused Linux utilities with an emphasis on Btrfs, Snapper, GRUB, and system recovery.
Install Linux normally. Extend it with focused tools.
My projects improve the native Btrfs and Snapper experience without replacing the tools, configuration, or installation process provided by the distribution. Each addresses a specific gap and can be used independently or as part of a larger, repeatable workflow.
BootPrep is the activation layer for GRUB-based Linux systems using a nested Btrfs snapshot layout.
It prepares a selected writable snapshot for the next boot, either automatically after a Snapper rollback or through a direct activation workflow. BootPrep works with the system's existing Btrfs, Snapper, GRUB, and UEFI configuration without requiring a filesystem redesign.
BootPrep is part of a growing collection of focused utilities. Each project has a single responsibility and can be used independently or together.
- snapshot-chroot – Creates a recovery chroot from a Btrfs/Snapper root snapshot, automatically detecting the last successfully booted snapshot.
- cleanup-bootstrap-root – Safely cleans the original bootstrap
@root while preserving its Btrfs subvolumes. - dpkg-pre-post-snapper – Creates descriptive Snapper pre/post snapshots around Debian package transactions.
- add_subvolumes – Converts selected root and home directories into independent Btrfs subvolumes.
- add_updategrub-service – Installs a systemd service that runs update-grub during system shutdown.
I prefer tools that are:
- Focused – one clearly defined responsibility.
- Native – build on existing Linux components instead of replacing them.
- Discoverable – detect the system's actual configuration instead of relying on unnecessary hard-coded assumptions.
- Safe – validate the environment before making filesystem or boot-related changes.
- Composable – useful independently, but able to work together as part of a larger workflow.
If you're working with Btrfs, Snapper, GRUB, or snapshot-based Linux system recovery, start with BootPrep, explore the companion projects above, and bring your own configurations and test cases to BootPrep Discussions.