Install a containerized Linux with Distrobox
One for All
© Photo by Rawpixel on Unsplash
Distrobox uses Docker, Podman, or Lilipod to bundle several distributions in a single container.
Testing distributions is part and parcel of everyday life for many developers, and some people even enjoy distro hopping as a hobby. The easiest approach to living life with multiple distributions is virtualization. There are various ways of running distributions in virtual environments. Options include hypervisors such as VMware, VirtualBox, KVM/Qemu, Gnome boxes, and Proxmox. Network-Attached Storage (NAS) systems such as Unraid and TrueNAS can also function as virtualization platforms for operating virtual machines (VMs) via a web interface.
Distrobox [1] is yet another option that lets you use any Linux distribution from inside your terminal. Introduced in 2021 and maintained by Luca Di Maio, Distrobox uses Fedora's toolbx utility [2] as a template. You can even use Distrobox with BoxBuddy [3] if you prefer working with a graphical user interface (GUI).
Distrobox styles itself as the Swiss Army knife of the distribution scene. Developers and package maintainers can use Distrobox containers to quickly test their applications on various distributions. Assuming you use Debian as your host system and have installed Arch Linux in Distrobox, you can test your packages not only against Arch Linux, but also against Debian, Fedora, SUSE, and many other distributions.
[...]
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
-
The Latest CachyOS Features Supercharged Kernel
The latest release of CachyOS brings with it an enhanced version of the latest Linux kernel.
-
Kernel 7.0 Is a Bit More Rusty
Linux kernel 7.0 has been released for general availability, with Rust finally getting its due.
-
France Says "Au Revoir" to Microsoft
In a move that should surprise no one, France announced plans to reduce its reliance on US technology, and Microsoft Windows is the first to get the boot.
-
CIQ Releases Compatibility Catalog for Rocky Linux
The company behind Rocky Linux is making an open catalog available to developers, hobbyists, and other contributors, so they can verify and publish compatibility with the CIQ lineup.
-
KDE Gets Some Resuscitation
KDE is bringing back two themes that vanished a few years ago, putting a bit more air under its wings.
-
Ubuntu 26.04 Beta Arrives with Some Surprises
Ubuntu 26.04 is almost here, but the beta version has been released, and it might surprise some people.
-
Ubuntu MATE Dev Leaving After 12 years
Martin Wimpress, the maintainer of Ubuntu MATE, is now searching for his successor. Are you the next in line?
-
Kali Linux Waxes Nostalgic with BackTrack Mode
For those who've used Kali Linux since its inception, the changes with the new release are sure to put a smile on your face.
-
Gnome 50 Smooths Out NVIDIA GPU Issues
Gamers rejoice, your favorite pastime just got better with Gnome 50 and NVIDIA GPUs.
-
System76 Retools Thelio Desktop
The new Thelio Mira has landed with improved performance, repairability, and front-facing ports alongside a high-quality tempered glass facade.
