Master Linux Disk Partitioning with fdisk and parted

Linux provides two main partitioning tools: fdisk for MBR-style partitions (limited to disks ≤2 TB) and parted for GPT partitions, which support larger disks and more flexible layouts.

MBR limitations and extended partitions

Traditional MBR allows up to four primary partitions; additional space requires creating an extended partition that can hold multiple logical partitions. Diagrams illustrate the primary and extended partition structures.

Using fdisk

Basic commands:

[root@localhost ~]# fdisk -l          # list all partitions
[root@localhost ~]# fdisk /dev/sdX    # start interactive mode for a device

The output includes seven columns (Device, Boot, Start, End, Blocks, Id, System) describing each partition. Important safety note: never run fdisk on the active system disk; use a separate drive or a virtual machine.

Typical interactive steps:

Press p to print the current partition table.

Press n to create a new partition (choose primary or logical).

Follow prompts to set start and end cylinders.

Use w to write changes.

Example screenshots demonstrate creating two primary partitions and the resulting table.

Using parted

parted

works with GPT and can immediately apply changes using partprobe without rebooting.

Command syntax:

[root@localhost ~]# parted [options] /dev/sdX [command]

Key operations:

Show partition table: parted /dev/sdc print Create a partition: parted /dev/sdc mkpart primary ext3 1 2G (creates a 2 GB primary ext3 partition starting at 1 MB).

Change table type to GPT: parted /dev/sdc mklabel gpt Delete a partition: parted /dev/sdc rm 2 Additional capabilities include resizing, checking, and recovering deleted partitions.

Safety and best practices

Always verify the target disk, back up data, and prefer using a non‑system disk or VM for experimentation. After modifying partitions, run partprobe or reboot to ensure the kernel recognises the new layout.