How to use the command 'kernel-install' (with examples)

The ‘kernel-install’ command is used to add and remove kernel and initrd images to and from the /boot directory. It provides functionality to manage and configure the boot loader partition.

Use case 1: Add kernel and initramfs images to bootloader partition

Code:

sudo kernel-install add kernel-version kernel-image path/to/initrd-file ...

Motivation: The motivation for adding kernel and initramfs images to the bootloader partition is to ensure that the system can properly boot using the desired kernel version and initramfs image. It is necessary to add the kernel version, kernel image file, and path to the initramfs file as arguments.

Arguments:

• sudo: The ‘sudo’ command is used to execute the ‘kernel-install’ command with root privileges.
• kernel-install: The command to add kernel and initramfs images to the bootloader partition.
• add: The ‘add’ argument instructs ‘kernel-install’ to add the specified kernel and initramfs images.
• kernel-version: The version of the kernel to be added.
• kernel-image: The path to the kernel image file.
• path/to/initrd-file: The path to the initramfs file.

Example output: Adding kernel version 5.13.0-28 to the bootloader partition:

$ sudo kernel-install add 5.13.0-28 /boot/vmlinuz-5.13.0-28-generic /boot/initrd.img-5.13.0-28-generic
Added kernel version 5.13.0-28 to the bootloader partition.

Use case 2: Remove kernel from the bootloader partition

Code:

sudo kernel-install remove kernel-version

Motivation: The motivation for removing a kernel from the bootloader partition is to declutter the boot options and remove unnecessary kernel versions. It is necessary to specify the kernel version as an argument to remove it.

Arguments:

• sudo: The ‘sudo’ command is used to execute the ‘kernel-install’ command with root privileges.
• kernel-install: The command to remove a kernel from the bootloader partition.
• remove: The ‘remove’ argument instructs ‘kernel-install’ to remove the specified kernel.
• kernel-version: The version of the kernel to be removed.

Example output: Removing kernel version 5.13.0-28 from the bootloader partition:

$ sudo kernel-install remove 5.13.0-28
Removed kernel version 5.13.0-28 from the bootloader partition.

Use case 3: Show various paths and parameters that have been configured or auto-detected

Code:

sudo kernel-install inspect kernel-image

Motivation: The motivation for inspecting the various paths and parameters is to gain information about the configuration and auto-detected settings of the kernel and bootloader. By running this command, you can obtain useful information about the kernel image.

Arguments:

• sudo: The ‘sudo’ command is used to execute the ‘kernel-install’ command with root privileges.
• kernel-install: The command to inspect various paths and parameters.
• inspect: The ‘inspect’ argument instructs ‘kernel-install’ to show the details of the specified kernel image.
• kernel-image: The kernel image file to be inspected.

Example output: Inspecting the paths and parameters for the kernel image ‘/boot/vmlinuz-5.13.0-28-generic’:

$ sudo kernel-install inspect /boot/vmlinuz-5.13.0-28-generic
Paths and parameters for kernel image '/boot/vmlinuz-5.13.0-28-generic':
- Kernel version: 5.13.0-28
- Initramfs image: /boot/initrd.img-5.13.0-28-generic
- Bootloader path: /boot
- Configuration file: /boot/grub/grub.cfg

Conclusion:

The ‘kernel-install’ command is a powerful tool for managing kernel and initrd images in the bootloader partition. It provides the ability to add, remove, and inspect various paths and parameters related to the kernel and bootloader configuration. By using this command, users can ensure the proper functioning and management of their system’s boot options.