A toolkit for packages
dgrep
When a package is installed, its files are usually scattered throughout your system. Its man pages, for instance, are placed in a /doc
directory, and its binary files in a /bin
directory. The dgrep
command lets you search these scattered files using grep (Figure 7).
The dgrep tool supports the normal regular expressions, as well as most of grep's options, with the exception of -r
or --recursives
and grep options that refer specifically to directories. It does not include symbolic links in its results. However, you can specify a variation of grep with the commands degrep
, dfgrep
, or dzgrep
.
dpigs
Are you curious about the largest installed packages on your system? Then, dpigs
can answer your questions. Entering the dpigs
command by itself gives you a listing of the top 10 largest binary packages (Figure 8). If you modify the command with the option -nNUMBER
or --lines=NUMBER
, you can view as many listings as you choose. If you add -S
or --source
, you can view the largest source packages only. The results of the dpigs
command can help you streamline your system, but you should investigate candidates for removal carefully, because large packages are often ones that are essential to your system.
popbugs
The popbugs
command requires the installation of the Debian Popularity Contest to run [2]. Debian Popularity Contest keeps track of the most used packages on the system. Once a week, it runs a cronjob to send the information gathered to the Debian project, which uses the information for planning things such as which applications will go onto install CDs. You can opt in or out of Debian Popularity during installation; if you opt out, it is not installed.
Popbugs generates a list of release critical bugs – in other words, major ones – against the packages listed in your Debian Popularity Contest, producing a web report in your default browser (Figure 9). Alternatively, you can use the option --output=FILE
to print the report to file.
This report is mostly useful for developers who are actively helping to prepare a new release. The report is also useful for system administrators who want to keep track of vulnerabilities, although it does not provide any updates for patching your system.
« Previous 1 2 3 4 Next »
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you've found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Fedora 39 Beta is Now Available for Testing
For fans and users of Fedora Linux, the first beta of release 39 is now available, which is a minor upgrade but does include GNOME 45.
-
Fedora Linux 40 to Drop X11 for KDE Plasma
When Fedora 40 arrives in 2024, there will be a few big changes coming, especially for the KDE Plasma option.
-
Real-Time Ubuntu Available in AWS Marketplace
Anyone looking for a Linux distribution for real-time processing could do a whole lot worse than Real-Time Ubuntu.
-
KSMBD Finally Reaches a Stable State
For those who've been looking forward to the first release of KSMBD, after two years it's no longer considered experimental.
-
Nitrux 3.0.0 Has Been Released
The latest version of Nitrux brings plenty of innovation and fresh apps to the table.
-
Linux From Scratch 12.0 Now Available
If you're looking to roll your own Linux distribution, the latest version of Linux From Scratch is now available with plenty of updates.
-
Linux Kernel 6.5 Has Been Released
The newest Linux kernel, version 6.5, now includes initial support for two very exciting features.
-
UbuntuDDE 23.04 Now Available
A new version of the UbuntuDDE remix has finally arrived with all the updates from the Deepin desktop and everything that comes with the Ubuntu 23.04 base.
-
Star Labs Reveals a New Surface-Like Linux Tablet
If you've ever wanted a tablet that rivals the MS Surface, you're in luck as Star Labs has created such a device.
-
SUSE Going Private (Again)
The company behind SUSE Linux Enterprise, Rancher, and NeuVector recently announced that Marcel LUX III SARL (Marcel), its majority shareholder, intends to delist it from the Frankfurt Stock Exchange by way of a merger.