What are file system magic numbers?

9 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/what-are-file-system-magic-numbers.31534/

I searched google and found some results , but it seems to be too much complicated. Can anyone explain it simply for me? Thanks in advance.

The magic numbers are number formats that make the File System understand
what type of file it is. For eg., JPEG Image files begin with 0xFFD8FF. MIDI files begin
with 'MThd' (0x4D546864). PostScript files start with '%!'(0x2521). And this is how
the O.S understands & deciphers what type of file it is!!
Read more about it :
*en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_number_(programming)

Is that only for linux like file systems or FAT32 has the same?

That applies to all Operating Systems. They have their own way of treating things.
The JPEG image you save in Windows can be viewed in Linux. Windows follows
the FAT (File Allocation Table) File System and NT follows NTFS. Linux follows the ext3
( Journaling File System).

one thing.Is ext3 file system accessible from Windows?it doesn't seem to me.

no leopard, but fat is accessible from both.

@blackleopard you need extra tools like explore2fs or something else.

blackleopard92/Melissa :p said:
one thing.Is ext3 file system accessible from Windows?it doesn't seem to me.

You might want to try this:
*db.glug-bom.org/lug-authors/anurag/explore2fs-1.00pre6.zip

This driver allows you to access ext2/ext3 drives from explorer,just like any other drive.
*www.fs-driver.org/