How to use the command 'checkinstall' (with examples)

Checkinstall is a command-line tool used to track the local installation of a software package and produce a binary package that can be used with a system’s native package manager. It is particularly helpful when there is no available package for a particular software on the system, allowing users to create their own package and manage it with the system’s package manager.

Use case 1: Create and install a package with default settings

Code:

sudo checkinstall --default

Motivation: This use case allows users to quickly create and install a package with default settings, without having to go through the traditional package installation process. It is especially useful when users want to experiment with different versions or configurations of a software package.

Explanation:

• sudo is used to run the command as a superuser, enabling the installation of software packages.
• checkinstall is the command itself, followed by the --default option which specifies using the default settings for package creation and installation.

Example output: After running the command, checkinstall will track the installation of the software package and produce a binary package that can be used with the system’s package manager. It will also install the package on the system using the default settings.

Use case 2: Create a package but don’t install it

Code:

sudo checkinstall --install=no

Motivation: This use case allows users to create a package without actually installing it on the system. This can be useful when users want to share the package with others or distribute it on different systems, without affecting the current system.

Explanation:

• --install=no is an option within checkinstall that tells it not to install the package after it has been created. This prevents any changes or modifications to the current system.

Example output: After running the command, checkinstall will create a binary package without installing it on the system. The package can then be shared or distributed for installation on different systems.

Use case 3: Create a package without documentation

Code:

sudo checkinstall --nodoc

Motivation: This use case allows users to create a package without including the documentation files. This can be beneficial when the documentation is not required, or space needs to be saved when distributing or installing the package on different systems.

Explanation:

• --nodoc is an option within checkinstall that specifies not including the documentation files in the package. This can reduce the size of the package and potentially speed up the installation process.

Example output: After running the command, checkinstall will create a binary package excluding the documentation files. The created package can then be used for installation without the accompanying documentation.

Use case 4: Create a package and set the name

Code:

sudo checkinstall --pkgname package

Motivation: This use case allows users to create a package and set a specific name for it. This can be useful for organizing or distinguishing different versions or configurations of a software package.

Explanation:

• --pkgname is an option within checkinstall that allows users to set a custom name for the package. By specifying a name, users can easily identify and manage different packages.

Example output: After running the command, checkinstall will create a binary package with the specified package name. The package can then be installed or managed using the custom name provided.

Use case 5: Create a package and specify where to save it

Code:

sudo checkinstall --pakdir path/to/directory

Motivation: This use case allows users to create a package and specify a specific directory where it should be saved. This can be helpful for organizing and managing packages in a desired location.

Explanation:

• --pakdir is an option within checkinstall that allows users to specify a custom directory where the package should be saved. By providing a path to a directory, users have control over the location of the package.

Example output: After running the command, checkinstall will create a binary package and save it in the specified directory. The package can then be found and managed in the defined location.

Conclusion:

The ‘checkinstall’ command is a powerful tool that enables users to track the local installation of a software package and create a binary package compatible with the system’s native package manager. By using different options within the command, users have control over package creation, installation, naming, documentation inclusion, and save location. This allows for greater flexibility and convenience in managing software packages on a system.