If I am using a single HDD, can ZFS still add parity data? That's neat if it can. I assumed parity with ZFS was for something like RAID6 where there are multiple HDDs in a set.
Do any other file systems other than ZFS support adding parity in a single HDD config? Last I checked getting ZFS in Linux required lots of side band steps due to licensing issues.
ZFS can do multiple copies of a file on a single hard drive. It is not adding parity.
ZFSOnLinux is developed outside Linux’ tree for 2 reasons. One, it is easier that way and two, Linus does not want it in the main tree. Consequently, you need to install it in addition to the kernel as if it were entirely userspace software. That does not add anymore difficulty than say, installing Google Chrome. :/
Do any other file systems other than ZFS support adding parity in a single HDD config? Last I checked getting ZFS in Linux required lots of side band steps due to licensing issues.