$ Linux Command

Disk

mkfs

Create a filesystem on a device or partition.

filesystemformatdiskpartition

Additional Notes

mkfs is a disk and filesystem command used to create a filesystem on a device or partition. It formats a block device with a specific filesystem type such as ext4, XFS, or btrfs.

Creating a filesystem destroys all existing data on the target device. Always verify the correct device with lsblk before running mkfs.

Syntax

mkfs [options] [device-or-path]

Parameters

  • options: Flags that change how mkfs behaves.
  • device: Disk, partition, volume, or filesystem path to inspect or modify.
  • target: Mount point, file, or storage object used by the operation.

Common Options

  • -t TYPE: Select filesystem type.
  • -L LABEL: Set a filesystem label when supported.

Examples

sudo mkfs -t ext4 /dev/sdb1
sudo mkfs.ext4 -L data /dev/sdb1

Practical Notes

Creating a filesystem erases existing data on the target. Confirm the device with lsblk first.