Automating Debian installations
Command Line – DebPostInstall
© Photo by Garrett Butler on Unsplash
DebPostInstall takes the drudgery out of Debian installations.
At last count, Debian included over 64,400 packages [1]. Much of the reason for this number is the inclusion of multiple versions of packages in different repositories. Another is the packaging of dozens of scripts, often for Bash. There are, for example, several dozen APT-related packages, some of which have been added to APT alternatives such as Nala. So far, the DebPostInstall [2] script has yet to reach the Debian repositories, but it seems only a matter of time and a few more versions until it does. This simple script automates setting up a Debian-derived server, although it is almost equally handy for a desktop machine, and you will undoubtedly want to modify it to meet your needs.
In Debian jargon, post-install scripts are those that run at the end of a package installation, so DebPostInstall is perhaps a misnomer. It does not run from any package, but instead is a Bash script to run after an installation, handling configurations for which frequent installers often maintain a checklist. Although several of its actions duplicate those in the Debian installer, DebPostInstall does have the advantage of offering a chance to modify one of the quick choices of installation.
Setting Up the Script
To use DebPostInstall, copy the script into a text file. Modify it as desired, save it as debpostinstall.sh, and run
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
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
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.