Disk Partition Management

In Linux, disk partitioning is the process of dividing a physical disk into separate sections, as you hear it, called partitions, to organize and manage data efficiently (Just like when you use C drive to boot windows and use D drive to store ur pic). Each partition can have its own file system and purpose.

Types of Partition Tables

A partition table is a structure that contains information about the partitions on a disk. Below are the most common types:

Partition Table Type	MBR (Master Boot Record)	GPT (GUID Partition Table)
Maximum Disk Size	2TB	Practically unlimited (up to 9.4ZB)
Maximum Partitions	4 primary partitions (or 3 primary + 1 extended, which can contain multiple logical partitions)	128 primary partitions (no extended partitions)
Boot Mode	BIOS	UEFI
Usage	Used in older systems, compatible with most operating systems.	Recommended for modern systems, supports larger disks.
Limitation	Does not support disks larger than 2TB.	Not supported by older BIOS-based systems.

Managing Partitions

Viewing Disk and Partition Information

lsblk      # Display all block devices
fdisk -l   # List partitions on all disks
parted -l  # Show partition details with parted

Creating a New Partition Table

1. fdisk

sudo fdisk /dev/sdX                 # Create MBR partition table
sudo gdisk /dev/sdX                 # Create GPT Partition table

2. parted

sudo parted /dev/sdX mklabel gpt    # Create a GPT partition table
sudo parted /dev/sdX mklabel msdos  # Create an MBR partition table

Creating and Managing Partitions

1. fdisk

sudo fdisk /dev/sdX   # Launch fdisk
-> p                  # Display the current partition details
-> n                  # Create new partition
-> d                  # Delete partition
-> w                  # Write change to disk and exit

2. parted

sudo parted /dev/sdX               # Launch parted
-> mkpart primary ext4 1MiB 10GB   # Create a primary partition (GPT or MBR)
-> print                           # View partition details
-> resizepart 1 15GB               # Resize partition 1 to 15GB

sudo parted /dev/sdX rm 1          # Remove partition 1

Formatting a Partition

sudo mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdX1  # Format partition as ext4
sudo mkfs.xfs /dev/sdX1   # Format partition as XFS
sudo mkfs.ntfs /dev/sdX1  # Format partition as NTFS

Mounting and Unmounting Partitions

sudo mkdir /mnt/mydisk               # Create mount point
sudo mount /dev/sdX1 /mnt/mydisk     # Mount partition
sudo umount /mnt/mydisk              # Unmount partition

Checking and Repairing Filesystem

sudo fsck /dev/sdX1  # Check filesystem integrity