Yes, it is feasible to have multiple Linux distributions recognize a shared home folder across different partitions.
Yes, it is feasible to have multiple Linux distributions recognize a shared home folder across different partitions.
It seems to suggest the system will handle mounting additional storage automatically when it starts. You're considering whether the operating system might not load your home directory properly at boot because the necessary partition isn't ready.
This setup isn't exactly as described: Without any issues during mounting, fstab entries are loaded quickly during startup. Often, several partitions need to be mounted for the system to start correctly. In *nix there are built-in ways to handle file and directory changes, such as symbolic linking. If you're familiar with Windows, you might recognize a similar feature—creating shortcuts by right-clicking and adding links. Symbolic links exist at the filesystem level, so they usually work smoothly with software. When you log in, your desktop and related programs will search for `~/.config`, even though it doesn't have to be a real folder—it can be a symbolic link. This lets you switch between environments without duplicating entire directories, like `/home/user`. Instead of copying the whole directory, you can set up a switch that changes automatically at boot. For more details, check the `man ln` documentation. Another method is `mount --bind`, which lets a partition appear in two places at once. For instance, if you have a folder like `/home/user1/Films`, you can bind it to another location, so when someone logs in, they see the same directory. This approach might seem excessive, but it works with existing tools that handle automatic setup at startup. If you prefer a simpler solution, adjusting `/etc/passwd` or using the `usermod` command can prevent conflicts between user directories. The main concern arises only if paths are hardcoded in config files, which you can easily fix afterward.
You'd adjust the passwd file to point to the new partition's HOME directory. FSTAB did duplicate the files, so it didn't just change the system's reference. You wouldn't need to use the original file for mounting anymore, which should eliminate the manual mounts. I've noticed you had to mount each drive separately before, so this should simplify things. You mentioned copying config files to the duplicate folder—good practice. You're planning to remove the original Ubuntu partition later, which will help streamline the setup. Don't worry if it feels a bit confusing at first; you'll get the hang of it soon.