Overview
mkfs (make file system) is a command used to create a file system on a disk partition or volume. After creating a partition (e.g., using `fdisk` or `parted`), you must format that partition with a file system to store files and directories. `mkfs` actually acts as a frontend that calls dedicated commands for creating specific file systems, such as `mkfs.ext4` or `mkfs.xfs`. Therefore, `mkfs -t ext4` and `mkfs.ext4` perform the same function.
Key Features
Key features of the mkfs command include:
- Supports various file system types.
- Creates a logical structure on new partitions for storing files.
- Outputs warning messages to prevent accidental overwriting of important data.
- After partitioning with `fdisk` or `parted`, it must be formatted with `mkfs` to be usable.
File System Types
Major file system types supported by mkfs.
- ext4: The most widely used Linux file system. Offers excellent performance and stability.
- XFS: A high-performance file system specialized for large-scale file systems. It is the default file system for CentOS/RHEL 7 and later.
- FAT: Primarily used for removable devices like USB drives. Compatible with various operating systems including Linux, Windows, and macOS.
Key Options
The mkfs command specifies the file system type using the `-t` option, and other options are directly passed to the specific file system command (e.g., `mkfs.ext4`).
1) Execution Options
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Usage Examples
Explore the functionality of the mkfs command through various usage examples. **All examples will delete data on the target partition, so exercise caution when executing.**
Create an ext4 File System
sudo mkfs -t ext4 /dev/sdb1Creates the most common `ext4` file system on the `/dev/sdb1` partition.
Create an XFS File System
sudo mkfs.xfs /dev/sdb1Creates an `XFS` file system suitable for large disks. It is used as the default format in CentOS/RHEL.
Create a FAT32 File System
sudo mkfs.fat -F 32 /dev/sdb1Creates a `FAT32` file system with good compatibility for removable storage devices like USB drives.
Create File System and Assign Label Simultaneously
sudo mkfs.ext4 -L "Data_Partition" /dev/sdb1Assigns a `LABEL` while creating the file system, making it easier to identify the partition later.
Installation
mkfs is part of the `util-linux` package and is included by default in most Linux distributions. However, specific file system tools like `mkfs.xfs` might require separate package installations.
Install XFS Tools (Debian/Ubuntu)
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y xfsprogsInstall XFS Tools (RHEL/CentOS)
sudo dnf install -y xfsprogsTips & Cautions
Important points to consider when using the mkfs command.
Tips
- The mkfs command requires **`sudo` privileges**. Running without root privileges will result in a `Permission denied` error.
- Before running mkfs, you must accurately verify the device name of the partition to be formatted (e.g., `/dev/sdb1`) using `fdisk -l` or `lsblk`. Formatting the wrong partition will lead to data loss.
- After creating a file system, you must mount the partition to a directory using the `mount` command to make it usable.