fdisk is suitable for use when the MBR partition table and the disk is less than 2TB, suitable for simple interactive operations; 1. When using fdisk, first use p to view the current partition table, n to create a new partition, t set the type, w to save changes; 2. parted is suitable for disks larger than 2TB or when GPT support is required, scripting operations can be performed; 3. When using parted, first mklabel gpt creates GPT tags, unit sets units, mkpart creates partitions, prints to view results, and quit exit; 4. Both must be carefully checked for device names to avoid data loss due to error operations; 5. Format the partition using the mkfs command, and can be used after mount; always back up important data before operation and confirm that the device name is correct.

Linux disk partitioning is a fundamental skill for system administrators and power users. Whether you're setting up a new drive, resizing partitions, or preparing for a fresh OS install, knowing how to use tools like fdisk and parted give you full control over your storage layout. While both tools serve the same basic purpose—creating and managing disk partitions—they different in capabilities and use cases.

Here's a practical guide to using fdisk and parted , when to use each, and what you need to know to avoid common pitfalls.

When to Use fdisk vs. parted

Use fdisk when:

• You're working with MBR (Master Boot Record) partition tables.
• The disk is under 2TB in size.
• You prefer a simple, text-based interactive interface.
• You don't need advanced features like resizing or non-destructive operations.

fdisk is reliable, widely available, and great for basic partitioning tasks on older-style disks.

Use parted when:

• The disk is larger than 2TB .
• You need GPT (GUID Partition Table) support.
• You want to resize, move, or copy partitions (with caution).
• You're scripting partitioning tasks (supports non-interactive mode).

parted is more modern and flexible, especially for large drives and advanced settings.

Using fdisk to Partition a Disk

Let's walk through creating a new partition on /dev/sdb using fdisk .

1. Start fdisk :

    sudo fdisk /dev/sdb

2. Check current partition table: At the prompt, type p to print the current partition layout.

3. Create a new partition:

   • Type n to create a new partition.
   • Choose p for primary (or e for extended).
   • Accept default values or specify sector ranges.
   • Confirm the partition size (eg, 20G for 20GB).

4. Set the partition type (optional):

   • Type t to change the partition type.
   • Enter the partition number.
   • Choose a type code (eg, 8e for Linux LVM, 82 for swap).

5. Write changes:

   • Type w to write the new partition table to disk and exit.
   • Or q to quit without saving.

?? Warning: w apply changes immediately. There's no undo.

6. Notify the kernel of changes:

    sudo partprobe /dev/sdb

   Or reboot if needed.

7. Format and use:

    sudo mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdb1
   sudo mkdir /mnt/mydisk
   sudo mount /dev/sdb1 /mnt/mydisk

Using parted for GPT and Large Disks

For disks over 2TB or when using UEFI systems, GPT is required. fdisk can technically handle GPT (via gdisk ), but parted is better suited.

1. Check disk and use parted :

    sudo parted /dev/sdc

2. Create a GPT partition table: Inside parted , run:

    (parted) mklabel gpt

3. Set unit (optional, for clarity):

    (parted) unit GB

4. Create a partition:

    (parted) mkpart primary 0GB 50GB

   This creates a 50GB partition. You can also specify ext4 , xfs , etc., though parted doesn't format—it only defines layout.

5. List and verify:

    (parted) print

6. Exit:

    (parted) quit

7. Format and mount:

    sudo mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdc1
   sudo mount /dev/sdc1 /mnt/bigdisk

? Tip: You can run parted non-interactively:

 sudo parted /dev/sdc mkpart primary 0% 100%

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Key Differences and Best Practices

• Partition table support:

  • fdisk : Best for MBR (limited to 2TB, max 4 primary partitions).
  • parted : Supports both MBR and GPT; essential for large drives.

• Interactive vs. scriptable:

  • fdisk is mostly interactive.
  • parted supports batch mode—great for automation.

• Resizing:

  • parted can resize partitions (with resizepart ), but always back up data first.
  • fdisk does not support resizing.

• Safety:

  • Always double-check the device name ( /dev/sda , /dev/sdb , etc.). Wiping the wrong disk is irreversible.
  • Use lsblk or fdisk -l to list disks before starting.

• UEFI systems:

  • Use GPT and create an EFI System Partition (ESP) (type ef00 in gdisk or set appropriately in parted ).

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Final Notes

Both fdisk and parted are powerful, but they serve different needs. For traditional setups with smaller disks, fdisk is perfectly adequate. For modern systems with large drives, UEFI, or GPT requirements, parted is the better choice.

You don't need to pick one forever—knowing both give you flexibility. Just remember: always back up critical data before repartitioning , and verify device names carefully .

Basically, start with fdisk for simple tasks, switch to parted when you hit its limits.

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