How to List Filesystem Partition Type Codes in Linux

Understanding the filesystem partition type codes on a Linux system is crucial for managing disks and partitions effectively. These codes help identify the type of filesystem and the partitions’ role within the system. This guide will walk you through the steps to list these partition type codes using various command-line tools in Linux.

In this tutorial you will learn:

• How to list filesystem partition type codes using the parted tool
• How to check filesystem types with the lsblk command
• How to use the blkid command for identifying filesystem types

Listing Filesystem Partition Type Codes

To list filesystem partition type codes in Linux, you can use several tools like parted, lsblk, and blkid. Each tool provides different levels of detail and utility.

1. Using parted to List Filesystem Partition Types: The parted tool is a versatile utility for managing partitions. You can use it to list the details of the partitions, including their types. Make sure to replace /dev/vda with the disk you want to check.

   $ sudo parted /dev/vda print

   Running this command provides detailed information about the partitions on the specified disk. For example:

   Model: Virtio Block Device (virtblk)
   Disk /dev/vda: 21.5GB
   Sector size (logical/physical): 512B/512B
   Partition Table: msdos
   Disk Flags: 
   
   Number  Start   End     Size    Type      File system     Flags
    1      1049kB  20.5GB  20.4GB  primary   ext4            boot
    2      20.5GB  21.5GB  1022MB  extended
    5      20.5GB  21.5GB  1022MB  logical   linux-swap(v1)  swap

   This output provides a clear overview of the partitions, including their number, start and end points, size, type, filesystem, and flags.

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2. Checking Filesystem Types with lsblk: The lsblk command is used to list information about all available or specified block devices. It can show filesystem types for existing partitions.

   $ lsblk -f

   Running this command provides detailed information including the device name, filesystem type, label, UUID, and mount point. For example:

   NAME   FSTYPE FSVER LABEL UUID                                 FSAVAIL FSUSE% MOUNTPOINTS
   sr0                                                                           
   vda                                                                           
   |-vda1 ext4   1.0         afe6ae42-efc9-4744-a89a-f67fdede384f   11.2G    34% /
   |-vda2                                                                        
   `-vda5 swap   1           611bdcaa-fbaa-4512-8173-396efe9a67bf                [SWAP]
   

   This output helps in understanding the filesystem types of each partition on the system.

3. Identifying Filesystem Types with blkid: The blkid command is another useful tool for identifying filesystem types on block devices.

   $ sudo blkid

   Executing this command displays the UUID and type of all available block devices. For example:

   /dev/vda5: UUID="611bdcaa-fbaa-4512-8173-396efe9a67bf" TYPE="swap" PARTUUID="53855f89-05"
   /dev/vda1: UUID="afe6ae42-efc9-4744-a89a-f67fdede384f" BLOCK_SIZE="4096" TYPE="ext4" PARTUUID="53855f89-01"

   

   This information is useful for identifying and managing the filesystem types on your partitions.

In Linux systems, managing disk partitions is a crucial task for optimizing storage and ensuring efficient system operation. Each partition is identified by a unique type ID, which defines its purpose and the filesystem it supports. Understanding these partition types is essential for tasks such as system installation, data organization, and multi-boot configurations. Below is a comprehensive table listing various partition ID types, their names, and detailed descriptions, providing Linux users with the necessary insights to effectively manage their disk partitions.

Partition ID Types

Conclusion

Understanding filesystem partition type codes is essential for effective disk and partition management in Linux. By using tools like parted, lsblk, and blkid, you can easily list and identify the filesystem types on your system, aiding in better organization and maintenance of your data.