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
-
Linux Kernel 6.17 is Available
Linus Torvalds has announced that the latest kernel has been released with plenty of core improvements and even more hardware support.
-
Kali Linux 2025.3 Released with New Hacking Tools
If you're a Kali Linux fan, you'll be glad to know that the third release of this famous pen-testing distribution is now available with updates for key components.
-
Zorin OS 18 Beta Available for Testing
The latest release from the team behind Zorin OS is ready for public testing, and it includes plenty of improvements to make it more powerful, user-friendly, and productive.
-
Fedora Linux 43 Beta Now Available for Testing
Fedora Linux 43 Beta ships with Gnome 49 and KDE Plasma 6.4 (and other goodies).
-
USB4 Maintainer Leaves Intel
Michael Jamet, one of the primary maintainers of USB4 and Thunderbolt drivers, has left Intel, leaving a gaping hole for the Linux community to deal with.
-
Budgie 10.9.3 Now Available
The latest version of this elegant and configurable Linux desktop aligns with changes in Gnome 49.
-
KDE Linux Alpha Available for Daring Users
It's official, KDE Linux has arrived, but it's not quite ready for prime time.
-
AMD Initiates Graphics Driver Updates for Linux Kernel 6.18
This new AMD update focuses on power management, display handling, and hardware support for Radeon GPUs.
-
AerynOS Alpha Release Available
With a choice of several desktop environments, AerynOS 2025.08 is almost ready to be your next operating system.
-
AUR Repository Still Under DDoS Attack
Arch User Repository continues to be under a DDoS attack that has been going on for more than two weeks.