During boot process, the /etc/fstab file is read, and all the items in it are automatically mounted. As far as I know, the /boot partition contains the kernel. My question:

During boot process, is the /boot partition mounted first and then the / (root) partition or is it the other way round since in order to access the fstab file, the / partition has to be mounted?

Actually i'm really confused regarding the sequence of steps taking place while booting as is evident from my question above.

Can you please provide me with some details involving the booting process, and mounting the partitions in the fstab file, in proper chronological sequence?

Thank you.

If you are one of the rare people who has a separate /boot partition, then it is mounted first. But the only thing read from that partition is the grub or lilo information to display the boot menu. Once you make your menu selection, the first thing that happens is the partition set as /root is mounted. But what difference does that make? Obviously the /root partition must be mounted prior to the /etc/fstab being read.

if you want to understand the linux boot process this link might help
http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/li...y/l-linuxboot/

if you want to understand the linux boot process this link might help
http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/li...y/l-linuxboot/

The boot partition must be first to read the kernel. Next it launches the root partition and then runs through the rc scripts. It has to be in that order.