No matter your level of expertise in computer-based systems, you’ve probably encountered file systems before. A file system is a way to store data on a computer’s hard drive, and the EXT4 file system is one of the most popular types.
Introduced in 2008, EXT4 has replaced its predecessor, EXT3, as the standard file system for most Linux-based operating systems. In this article, we will give you a brief overview of the EXT4 file system and its advantages over previous systems.
We will also explain how to format partitions using EXT4, including checking current partitions, using the appropriate commands, and verifying that the formatting has been performed without errors.
to EXT4
Overview of EXT4 file system
EXT4 stands for extended file system version 4. It is the latest iteration of the extended file system series and is the default file system for most Linux distributions, including Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, and Red Hat.
EXT4 was introduced in 2008 and has become the most popular file system for Linux users. The main features of EXT4 are:
– Backward compatibility: EXT4 can read data created by EXT2 and EXT3 file systems.
This feature makes it easy to migrate from older file systems to the newer one. – Large file support: EXT4 supports files as large as 16 terabytes, making it easy to work with large files.
– Improved performance: The writing and reading of files are much faster on EXT4 than its predecessors. – Journaling: Journaling is a technique that allows for more reliable data storage.
EXT4 addresses this issue with the introduction of a new journaling mode that logs all the changes made to a file system before committing to the storage medium. – Extents: The way files are indexed on a storage device is known as an extent.
EXT4 uses a new indexing method called extents that improves file system performance and reduces fragmentation.
Advantages of EXT4 over its predecessors
EXT4 has significant advantages over its predecessors, EXT2 and EXT3.
Reliability
One key disadvantage of earlier versions was their lack of reliable storage. If the system crashes or powers down before the file system completes its writing process, data corruption may occur.
EXT4 tackles this issue through its journaling functionality. The journaling feature keeps a record of all changes to the file system, so if a power failure or other problems occur that interrupt the writing process.
Performance
Performance is another major advantage of the EXT4 file system. EXT4 is designed to handle larger files, which means it provides faster read and write speeds than its predecessors.
The introduction of the extent indexing method is also crucial for improving performance. The use of extents reduces the number of operations required to read files, resulting in faster file access.
Formatting EXT4
Checking Current Partitions
Before formatting a partition with the EXT4 file system, it is essential to check the current partition scheme. The “lsblk” command can show you all the existing partitions on a drive.
To use the “lsblk” command, open the terminal and enter the following command:
$ lsblk
This displays the name, type, and available sizes of all partitions on the system. This information ensures that the drive partition is properly set up, and creates an awareness of any existing data before formatting.
Properly Formatting EXT4 without Errors
To format or reformat a partition using EXT4, users can use the “mkfs” command. $ sudo mkfs.ext4 device_name
Where “device_name” is the name of the partition as provided by the “lsblk” command.
The mkfs.ext4 command initializes the partition with the EXT4 file system. However, it is crucial to verify that the device is formatted correctly.
Before mounting it, enter:
$ sudo file -s device_name
This command checks the state of the file system and confirms that the formatting process is correct. To check if the device is mounted, use the following command:
$ mount
Conclusion
The EXT4 file system is the go-to solution for Linux-based systems that prioritize reliability and performance. This article has provided an overview of the EXT4 file system and its advantages over its predecessors.
It also includes a guide on how to format partitions correctly, which is essential for efficient storage of data. We hope this article provides you with the necessary pointers when working with EXT4 partitions, ultimately facilitating overall computer usage.
Limitations of formatting EXT4
While the EXT4 file system provides many advantages over its predecessors, it is not without limitations. In this section, we will discuss two major limitations to formatting an EXT4 file system: the inability to format the currently working file system and the recommendation to avoid formatting if the system is not functioning correctly.
Inability to format if it is the current working file system
Formatting is the act of preparing a storage medium for data by creating a file system. When formatting an external drive or a non-bootable partition, EXT4 can format the partition without causing any problems.
However, formatting a partition without ejecting the entire operating system, a.k.a. the current working file system, is not feasible. Attempts to format a partition that is currently being used as the working file system of an operating system are unsuccessful for multiple reasons.
With Linux systems, formatting fails if the partition is mounted. The process requires unmounting the partition, and the current working system cannot provide an unmounted partition.
A disk’s partitions can also be read-only, making formatting impossible. Attempting to format a partition while it is mounted can cause serious errors to occur on the active partition and the whole operating system can hang up.
Recommendations against formatting if the system is not working properly
Suppose issues arise with an operating system such as freezing, malfunctioning applications, or crashes, and formatting the partition seems like the most viable solution. In that case, caution should be taken, as formatting may make things worse.
Formatting a partition can cause permanent data loss resulting from the inability of the file system to recover important system files. This permanently destroys all data present on the partition.
In severe cases, formatting may salvage the data, but more usually it is irretrievable. Furthermore, formatting may leave behind damaged structures which may cause further issues for the partition.
Formatting is best left as a final resort. Before considering formatting, back up all critical data and try other solutions, such as rebooting the system, running antivirus software, deleting cache files, and other lower-level system maintenance procedures.
Conclusion
Overall, while the EXT4 file system has many advantages, there are also limitations when it comes to formatting. It is not possible to format a partition that is currently the working file system, and extreme caution must be taken before considering formatting an operating system that is not working correctly.
Instead, users should first consider maintaining and optimizing lower-level system functions to handle possible issues before formatting. With these precautions in mind, users can have a better experience working with EXT4 file systems, ensuring that they operate smoothly and efficiently.
In summary, the EXT4 file system provides numerous benefits over its predecessors, including improved reliability and performance, large file support, and the use of extents for reduced fragmentation. However, formatting an EXT4 file system has its limitations.
It cannot be formatted while it is the current working file system of an operating system, and it is not advisable to format a system that is not functioning correctly without first trying other solutions. Overall, it is crucial to exercise caution before attempting to format an EXT4 file system to avoid damaging critical data.
By understanding the limitations associated with formatting, users can optimize their system’s performance and ensure a smoother experience.