How to Use the Command 'autopkgtest' (with Examples)

‘autopkgtest’ is a command-line tool designed to aid in the testing of Debian packages. This utility inspects the quality and functionality of Debian packages by running a test suite associated with each package. Such testing is vital for ensuring packages behave as expected before they are released into production environments, which adds a layer of reliability and confidence for end-users and developers alike. The Debian Continuous Integration service utilizes ‘autopkgtest’ to automatically test packages, which helps detect regressions and issues early.

Below, we explore various use cases of the ‘autopkgtest’ command, offering detailed examples to illustrate its versatility and utility.

Use Case 1: Build the Package in the Current Directory and Run All Tests Directly on the System

Code:

autopkgtest -- null

Motivation:

This use case is essential for developers who are in the midst of development work and want to ensure that the package they are building in their local environment adheres to its expected functionality. The testing is performed directly on the current system, allowing developers to quickly check the validity of their package without needing any complex setup.

Explanation:

• autopkgtest: The command initiating the test suite.
• --: Indicates the end of autopkgtest-specific options which allows following options to apply to the virtualization environment.
• null: As a virtualization method, null instructs autopkgtest to run directly on the host system without creating containers or VMs.

Example Output:

autopkgtest [20:48:02]: @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ summary
autopkgtest [20:48:02]: test success: successfully passed

Use Case 2: Run a Specific Test for the Package in the Current Directory

Code:

autopkgtest --test-name=test_name -- null

Motivation:

Using this use case, developers can focus on a specific test within a larger suite. This could be used for debugging purposes when only certain parts of a package are being modified or if a particular test has historically been problematic and requires focused attention.

Explanation:

• autopkgtest: Initiates the test process.
• --test-name=test_name: Specifies the exact test that should be executed, where ‘test_name’ should be replaced by the actual test name from the test suite.
• --: Ends options for ‘autopkgtest’ and begins options for the virtualization method.
• null: Directs the test to run directly on the host environment.

Example Output:

autopkgtest [20:50:34]: @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ summary
autopkgtest [20:50:34]: test test_name: pass

Use Case 3: Download and Build a Specific Package with apt-get, Then Run All Tests

Code:

autopkgtest package -- null

Motivation:

This use case is particularly useful when a developer or quality assurance engineer wishes to test not only packages that exist locally but also those from the Debian archive. It facilitates extended testing scenarios where packages are fetched, built, and tested in a single streamlined process.

Explanation:

• autopkgtest: The command commencing the package testing.
• package: Placeholder for the actual name of the package to be fetched, built, and tested.
• --: Delineates the autopkgtest options from the virtualization method.
• null: Indicates that tests are to be executed directly on the host system, for faster and more integrated testing sessions.

Example Output:

autopkgtest [20:55:12]: Downloading package
autopkgtest [20:55:23]: Building package
autopkgtest [20:56:10]: Running test suite
autopkgtest [20:56:50]: @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ summary
autopkgtest [20:56:50]: test success: successfully passed

Use Case 4: Test the Package in the Current Directory Using a New Root Directory

Code:

autopkgtest -- chroot path/to/new/root

Motivation:

This use case is intended for developers who want to segregate the testing process from the host operating system, helping mitigate any possible side effects the tests might have on the current system. Testing under a different root directory enables control over the environment, ensuring separation from the host’s configurations and dependencies.

Explanation:

• autopkgtest: The command that initiates the testing.
• --: Marks the end of options specific to ‘autopkgtest’.
• chroot: Utilizes the ‘chroot’ environment for test execution, essentially changing the apparent root directory for processes.
• path/to/new/root: Specifies the path to the directory that will serve as the new root for the execution environment.

Example Output:

autopkgtest [21:00:45]: Setting up chroot environment
autopkgtest [21:01:02]: Running tests in chroot path/to/new/root
autopkgtest [21:02:10]: @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ summary
autopkgtest [21:02:10]: test pass: all tests run successfully

Use Case 5: Test the Package in the Current Directory Without Rebuilding It

Code:

autopkgtest --no-built-binaries -- null

Motivation:

This scenario is ideal when a developer has already built the binaries and wants to rerun the tests to validate changes unrelated to the package’s binary product, such as configuration changes. This can greatly save time by bypassing the rebuilding phase and directly executing the test scripts.

Explanation:

• autopkgtest: Initiates the tests for the package.
• --no-built-binaries: This flag instructs ‘autopkgtest’ not to build the package’s binaries again, assuming they exist and are up-to-date.
• --: Separates autopkgtest options from the virtualization method.
• null: Executes the package’s tests directly on the system.

Example Output:

autopkgtest [21:05:12]: Using existing built binaries
autopkgtest [21:05:22]: Running test suite
autopkgtest [21:06:30]: @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ summary
autopkgtest [21:06:30]: test pass: tests completed successfully

Conclusion:

The ‘autopkgtest’ command is a powerful and flexible tool for ensuring the quality and reliability of Debian packages. These use cases highlight different scenarios in which developers and testers can use autopkgtest to facilitate thorough testing, whether it’s for minor changes, specific tests, or from different root directories. As demonstrated, ‘autopkgtest’ plays a crucial role in the Debian continuous integration environment by ensuring that package updates do not introduce regressions, ultimately benefiting both maintainers and users.