mount-loop, useful BASH-Script for testing of nwipe (on block devices)

[Knogle]

Ahoy! Some time ago, I created a script designed to easily manage large numbers of block devices. It allows you to set them up either on disk (in the /tmp folder) or as a tmpfs in RAM. I've already used it in various scenarios, but I thought it might be helpful to share, especially for anyone testing with nwipe. Feel free to give it a try!

https://github.com/Knogle/mount-loop

Description

mount-loop.sh is a versatile shell script designed for developers, system administrators, and testers who need to work with loop devices, block devices, and filesystems in a controlled and flexible manner. It simplifies the process of creating, mounting, and managing loopback devices by automating file creation and the setup of filesystems.

The script provides a range of features, such as creating files of specific or random sizes, setting up multiple loop devices at once, and even creating temporary RAM disks for high-speed testing. Each loop device can optionally be formatted with a filesystem and mounted, making it ideal for scenarios such as:

• Testing disk images: Mounting existing images to verify their contents or test different operations.
• Simulating multiple block devices: Quickly creating multiple virtual block devices for use in testing environments.
• Benchmarking and performance testing: Setting up RAM disks and virtual filesystems to analyze performance under different conditions.
• Filesystem experimentation: Creating filesystems and mounting them without the need for physical disks or partitions.

The script is designed to be easy to use, providing a range of options to suit different use cases, while also ensuring that cleanup is handled automatically when loop devices are no longer needed.