Migrating Debian and Ubuntu packages to systemd

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Article from Issue 184/2016
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You might need to tweak your Debian or Ubuntu packages to get them to work with systemd.

Systemd [1] has finally established itself as the leading Linux init system, but the road has not been easy. The Debian project [2], in particular, had to hold lots of discussions until the developers were able to agree on a replacement for the aging System V init system in a general vote.

The Ubuntu project was actually in the process of developing its own init alternative before the systemd tidal wave washed over Linux world, and many Ubuntu users and developers were just getting used to Ubuntu's Upstart system when Mark Shuttleworth announced that Ubuntu was abandoning the Upstart project in favor of systemd [3]. (A "Benevolent Dictator for Life" is missing in the Debian project – otherwise, it would probably spare itself a lot of tedious discussions.)

Jessie was the first Debian version with a functioning systemd. Many Debian developers are now adapting to the new circumstances and migrating to systemd. Ubuntu developers are also striving to integrate systemd.

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