# Efficient Data Volume cloning

### Introduction

Data Volumes cloning a PVC source support multiple forms of cloning. Based on the prerequisites listed [here](#Prerequisites), 
a cloning method will be utilized with varying degrees of efficiency. These forms are [CSI volume cloning](./csi-cloning.md), 
[smart cloning](./smart-clone.md), and [host-assisted cloning](./clone-datavolume.md). CSI volume cloning and smart cloning
employ CSI driver features in order to more efficiently clone a source PVC, but have certain limitations, 
while host-assited cloning provides a slower means with little limitation.

### Prerequisites
_The required prerequisites in order to trigger efficient cloning methods_
* **CSI Volume Cloning**:
    1) The csi driver backing the storage class of the PVC supports volume cloning, and corresponding StorageProfile has
       the cloneStrategy set to CSI Volume Cloning (see [here](./csi-cloning.md#Prerequisites) for more details)
    2) The source and target PVCs share the same Storage Class
    3) The source and target PVCs share the same Volume Mode
    4) The user creating the DataVolume has permission to create the `datavolumes/source` resource in the source namespace
    5) The source volume is not in use

* **Smart Cloning**:
    1) A Snapshot Class associated with the Storage Class exists
    2) The source and target PVCs share the same Storage Class
    3) The source and target PVCs share the same Volume Mode
    4) The user creating the DataVolume has permission to create the `datavolumes/source` resource in the source namespace
    5) The source volume is not in use

### Note: Data Volume Cloning can work together with namespace transfer and size expansion  

### Additional Documentation
* DataVolumes: [datavolumes](./datavolumes.md)
* DataVolume Cloning: [clone-datavolumes](./clone-datavolume.md)
* CSI Volume Cloning: [csi-cloning](./csi-cloning.md)
* Smart Cloning: [smart-clone](./smart-clone.md)
* Namespace Transfer: [namespace-transfer](./namespace-transfer.md)