How to List Filesystem Partition Type Codes in Linux: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Learn how to list filesystem partition type codes in Linux with step-by-step instructions and examples. Master essential commands like fdisk, lsblk, and blkid to manage and identify partitions efficiently.

Understanding filesystem partition types is crucial for managing disk storage in Linux. Whether you're a novice user or an experienced sysadmin, knowing how to list and interpret partition type codes can save you time and prevent errors. This guide will walk you through the essential commands and techniques to list filesystem partition type codes in Linux, starting from basic methods and advancing to more sophisticated approaches.

What Are Filesystem Partition Type Codes?

Filesystem partition type codes are identifiers used to specify the type of filesystem contained in a partition. These codes help the operating system understand how to handle and mount each partition. Common type codes include those for Linux filesystems, swap partitions, and various Windows filesystems.

Basic Methods to List Partition Type Codes

Using `fdisk`

The `fdisk` utility is a powerful tool for disk partitioning. You can use it to list partition types as follows:

sudo fdisk -l

This command displays a detailed list of partitions, including their type codes. For example:

Device     Boot  Start      End  Sectors  Size Id Type

/dev/sda1  *      2048  2099199  2097152    1G 83 Linux

/dev/sda2       2099200 4198399  2099200    1G 82 Linux swap / Solaris

Using `lsblk`

The `lsblk` command lists information about all available or specified block devices:

lsblk -f

This will show the filesystem type for each partition:

NAME   FSTYPE LABEL UUID                                 MOUNTPOINT

sda                                                         

├─sda1 ext4         e4d8e60d-6df6-4f16-8a50-7bdf74996e84 /

├─sda2 swap         b5b4e1f5-bf3e-4c8f-8f34-3e6f0c6f546b [SWAP]

Using `blkid`

The `blkid` command is useful for displaying the type of filesystem:

sudo blkid

Example output:

/dev/sda1: UUID="e4d8e60d-6df6-4f16-8a50-7bdf74996e84" TYPE="ext4"

/dev/sda2: UUID="b5b4e1f5-bf3e-4c8f-8f34-3e6f0c6f546b" TYPE="swap"

Intermediate Methods to List Partition Type Codes

Using `parted`

The `parted` utility is another versatile tool for managing partitions. To list partitions with their types:

sudo parted -l

Output might look like:

Model: ATA VBOX HARDDISK (scsi)

Disk /dev/sda: 1074MB

Sector size (logical/physical): 512B/512B

Partition Table: msdos

Disk Flags: 

Number  Start   End     Size    Type     File system  Flags

 1      1049kB  538MB   537MB   primary  ext4         boot

 2      538MB   1074MB  537MB   primary  linux-swap

Using `lsblk` with `grep`

Combining `lsblk` with `grep` can filter specific details:

lsblk -o NAME,FSTYPE | grep -v "loop"

This command focuses on non-loop devices:

NAME   FSTYPE

sda    

├─sda1 ext4

├─sda2 swap

Using `df`

The `df` command shows disk space usage and filesystem types for mounted partitions:

df -T

Output:

Filesystem     Type     1K-blocks    Used Available Use% Mounted on

/dev/sda1      ext4       1019014  119358    842248  13% /

devtmpfs       devtmpfs    240152       0    240152   0% /dev

Advanced Methods to List Partition Type Codes

Using `udevadm`

The `udevadm` tool provides detailed information about devices:

udevadm info --query=all --name=/dev/sda1

Output:

P: /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:0d.0/host0/target0:0:0/0:0:0:0/block/sda/sda1

N: sda1

S: disk/by-uuid/e4d8e60d-6df6-4f16-8a50-7bdf74996e84

E: DEVLINKS=/dev/disk/by-uuid/e4d8e60d-6df6-4f16-8a50-7bdf74996e84

E: DEVNAME=/dev/sda1

E: DEVTYPE=partition

E: ID_FS_TYPE=ext4

 Using `hdparm`

`hdparm` can be used for low-level disk information:

sudo hdparm -I /dev/sda

This provides detailed disk information, including partition types.

Scripting for Automation

For those managing multiple systems, automating the process with a script can be efficient:

#!/bin/bash

for disk in /dev/sd*; do

  echo "Disk: $disk"

  sudo blkid $disk

done

Save this script and run it to list partition types for all disks.

FAQs

**Q: What is the most reliable command to list partition type codes in Linux?**

A: The `blkid` command is highly reliable for listing filesystem types and UUIDs.

**Q: Can I change a partition type code without losing data?**

A: Yes, using tools like `parted` or `fdisk`, but always ensure you have backups before making changes.

**Q: How can I identify swap partitions?**

A: Swap partitions typically have the type code `82` in `fdisk` or `linux-swap` in `parted`.

**Q: Is there a GUI tool for managing partitions in Linux?**

A: Yes, tools like GParted provide a graphical interface for partition management.

**Q: How do I list partition types on a remote server?**

A: Use SSH to connect to the server and run the commands as you would locally.

Conclusion

Listing filesystem partition type codes in Linux is an essential skill for effective disk management. By mastering commands like `fdisk`, `lsblk`, `blkid`, and more advanced tools like `udevadm` and `hdparm`, you can efficiently manage your system's storage. Whether you're performing routine maintenance or troubleshooting, these techniques will help you ensure your partitions are correctly identified and managed.Thank you for reading the huuphan.com page!