Building a Linux Distro: The Disk Formatting Adventure
Join Dr. JB as he codes a disk formatter for a custom Linux distro. Debugging, partitioning, and formatting made fun!
Written by AI. Zara Chen
January 25, 2026

Photo: dr Jonas Birch / YouTube
Alright, folks, gather 鈥榬ound for another episode of "Dr. JB Builds a Linux Distro From Scratch." This time, we're diving into the spectacular world of disk formatting and partition verification. Sounds as thrilling as binge-watching paint dry, right? But hold tight! There's more excitement here than a TikTok algorithm update. 馃帀
The Plot Thickens
In this third installment, Dr. JB takes us on a journey where coding a disk formatter becomes the main quest. Our hero is not just creating a Linux distribution; he's crafting a full-scale saga, complete with swapping partitions and verifying them like a tech-savvy Sherlock Holmes. "We always create two partitions, one swap, one Linux," says Dr. JB, laying the groundwork for all things partition-related.
Debugging: The Real Plot Twist
Instead of a smooth sail across a sea of code, programming often feels like solving a Rubik's cube blindfolded. Dr. JB's bug-fixing adventure is no different. Our fearless coder encounters a bug where existing partition tables keep getting new additions鈥攗nasked guests at your party. His response? A quick erase function to clean up the guest list.
Measure First, Format Later
Before we even think about formatting, we need to map out these partitions. Dr. JB introduces an 'expert button,' giving advanced users the godlike power to create their own partition tables. "In that case, we need to figure out if we have a swap and how big it is," he explains. It's like playing Minecraft but with disk space.
Coding the Formatter: The Main Event
With our detective hats on, we dive into the main event: coding the formatter. Dr. JB breaks down the steps like a chef preparing a complex meal. He's got the recipe, but the ingredients need some fine-tuning. "We have something which is called mkfs," he notes, referring to the tool that formats our chosen partition.
The Final Countdown
As Dr. JB wraps up this coding escapade, he leaves us at the edge of our seats. The hard disk drive construction is the next hurdle, a cliffhanger that would make even Netflix envious. "We have successfully created a formatter and a partition verifier," he declares, a victorious note to an episode that was anything but dull.
So, what's next for our intrepid coder? Only the digital gods know, but one thing's for sure: the path to a perfect Linux setup is never without its bumps鈥攐r its memes. Keep those coding fingers limber, and who knows? Maybe you鈥檒l be the next Dr. JB in the making.
Stay curious, stay coding. 馃帳猬囷笍
By Zara Chen
Watch the Original Video
03 Coding a disk formatter -Your own distro
dr Jonas Birch
1h 15mAbout This Source
dr Jonas Birch
Dr. Jonas Birch has carved a niche in the YouTube technology landscape, captivating over 52,600 subscribers with his adept handling of low-level technical topics. Since launching his channel in September 2025, he has been dedicated to making complex subjects like system architecture and open-source software accessible and engaging, living up to his channel's motto of 'Making low-level popular again.'
Read full source profileMore Like This
Mastering Linux Man Pages: A Detailed Guide
Learn how to create effective Linux man pages with structure, formatting, and clarity.
Effect-Oriented Programming: Making Side Effects Safe
Three authors explain how effect-oriented programming brings type safety to the messy, unpredictable parts of code鈥攚ithout the intimidating math.
Crafting Linux: Exploring Open-Source Empowerment
Building Linux distributions illustrates open-source power and security implications.
The NSA Backdoor That Broke Internet Encryption
How a 'random' number generator endorsed by the NSA potentially compromised encrypted internet traffic worldwide鈥攂acked by leaked documents and $10M.