Linux File System Types

A file system on Linux is responsible for organizing and managing data on storage devices such as hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), and USB drives.

Linux offers a diverse range of file system types, each tailored to specific use cases and scenarios.

Common Linux file system types

While Ext4 remains the default choice for many Linux distributions, other options like Btrfs, XFS, ZFS, and F2FS provide compelling alternatives with unique features and advantages.

Type	Description	Partition & mount
Ext4	The most widely used and default file system. High performance for most workloads. Reliable journaling, reducing the risk of data corruption after system crashes. Supports large file and partition sizes.	sudo mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdX1 sudo mount /dev/sdX1 /path-to-mount
Btrfs (B-Tree File System)	Support various features such as snapshot support, data deduplication, RAID, and online defragmentation Built-in data integrity with checksums. Efficient space usage through data compression and deduplication. Snapshots for easy system backups and recovery.	sudo mkfs.btrfs /dev/sdX1 sudo mount /dev/sdX1 /path-to-mount sudo btrfs subvolume create /mnt/btrfs_partition/subvol1 sudo btrfs subvolume snapshot /mnt/btrfs_partition/subvol1 /mnt/btrfs_partition/snapshot1
XFS	high-performance, journaling file system that excels in handling large files and massive storage volumes. Initially developed by Silicon Graphics (SGI), XFS has found its way into many Linux distributions due to its exceptional scalability and stability Efficient handling of large files and file systems. Excellent performance for parallel I/O operations. Robust journaling for data protection.	sudo mkfs.xfs /dev/sdX1 sudo mount /dev/sdX1 /mnt/xfs_partition
ZFS	Developed by Sun Microsystems, ZFS provides advanced data management capabilities, including snapshotting, data compression, deduplication, and built-in RAID functionality. Unparalleled data integrity through checksums and self-healing capabilities. Efficient storage with data compression and deduplication. Simplified volume management with dynamic resizing and RAID features.
F2FS (Flash-Friendly File System)	optimized for use with flash-based storage devices like SSDs and eMMC. It aims to minimize write amplification and extend the lifespan of flash storage by reducing unnecessary writes. Efficient wear leveling for flash storage. Improved performance on flash-based devices. Reduced write overhead, leading to longer flash storage life.	sudo mkfs.f2fs /dev/sdX1 sudo mount /dev/sdX1 /mnt/f2fs_partition