32 lines
1.0 KiB
Markdown
32 lines
1.0 KiB
Markdown
# Simple partition table format
|
|
|
|
This document specifies a general partition table format suitable for both unmanaged disks, and tapes.
|
|
|
|
## Partition table
|
|
|
|
The partition table resides at the end of the disk - the last sector of the disk, for several reasons:
|
|
|
|
- Ease of implementation for firmware to load from first partition
|
|
- Compatibility with existing partition table formats
|
|
|
|
The partition table takes one sector (512 bytes) and is divided into 16 entries, 32 bytes each.
|
|
|
|
### Partition entry
|
|
|
|
Each entry consists of:
|
|
|
|
- A 20 byte name field, padded with null characters.
|
|
- A 4 byte type field. This can be used either as a number or a string.
|
|
- A 4-byte start sector field.
|
|
- A 4-byte length field.
|
|
|
|
Any entry with no name should be ignored.
|
|
|
|
## Tape considerations
|
|
|
|
It may prove easier to use a tape if one were to implement a virtual drive component that maps to the data on a tape.
|
|
|
|
## Booting
|
|
|
|
It is suggested that firmware loads and runs the first partition with type "boot". More advanced booting logic may be implemented if desired.
|