The argument can also come immediately after
"-a". e.g. "-ap".
+If --auto is not given on the command line or in the config file, then
+the default will be
+.BR --auto=yes .
+
If
.I --scan
is also given, then any
.B --run
flag.
-If an
-.B auto
-option is given, either on the command line (--auto) or in the
-configuration file (e.g. auto=part), then
-.I mdadm
-will create the md device if necessary or will re-create it if it
-doesn't look usable as it is.
+If the md device does not exist, then it will be created providing the
+intent is clear. i.e. the name must be in a standard form, or the
+.I --auto
+option must be given to clarify how and whether the device should be
+created.
This can be useful for handling partitioned devices (which don't have
a stable device number - it can change after a reboot) and when using