What happens if the Snapshot used to create a FlexClone is deleted?

• A. The clone continues functioning normally.
• B. The clone relationship is broken.
• C. The clone becomes read-only.
• D. The clone is immediately merged back into the parent.

Answer: (A)

FlexClone is created from a Snapshot and then becomes its own writable copy. After creation, the clone operates independently of that Snapshot because copy-on-write and its own dedicated storage blocks have taken effect. Deleting the Snapshot simply removes the point-in-time reference; it does not impact the clone’s data or accessibility. The clone continues to function normally, with its own space and separate data, and the relationship to the parent remains as a separate volume—not merged back or made read-only by the Snapshot’s deletion.