How to Use the Command 'vkpurge' (with examples)

The vkpurge command is a utility available in Void Linux, designed to help manage and clean up old kernel versions that accumulate over time. When Linux kernels are updated, previous versions are often left installed on the system, which can consume disk space unnecessarily and create system clutter. vkpurge identifies and removes these outdated kernel versions, making system maintenance more efficient. This command can be especially useful for users who frequently update their kernel but want to keep their system clean and organized.

Use case 1: Listing all removable kernel versions

Code:

vkpurge list version

Motivation:

Over time, your Linux system may accumulate several different kernel versions due to frequent updates. While newer versions replace older ones for most operations, the old ones can still linger on the system. Listing these versions helps you identify which specific kernel versions are available for removal. It provides a clear overview of what is taking up space, allowing you to make informed decisions about which versions to keep for backup purposes, and which can be safely removed. This is particularly useful if you are unsure about which versions are present or if you are wary of removing something critical unintentionally.

Explanation:

• vkpurge: This initiates the vkpurge command-line utility aimed at managing kernel versions.
• list: The ’list’ argument tells vkpurge to enumerate all kernel versions that are eligible for removal.
• version: When a specific version is provided, vkpurge limits the list to only those kernels that match the given shell glob pattern. If omitted, it lists all removable versions.

Example output:

4.15.0-117
4.15.0-116
4.14.0-115

In this output, each line represents a distinct, removable kernel version currently installed on the system.

Use case 2: Removing all unused kernels

Code:

vkpurge rm all

Motivation:

When maintaining a Linux system, it’s important to keep it tidy to save disk space and avoid potential conflicts among different software versions. Old, unused kernels can accumulate, reducing available disk space. By removing all unused kernels, you streamline your system’s kernel directory, freeing up space and potentially avoiding complications during boot or while installing new kernels. This command is particularly beneficial after several kernel updates, ensuring only the necessary kernel versions remain on the system.

Explanation:

• vkpurge: This calls the vkpurge utility to commence the kernel management operation.
• rm: This argument specifies that the action to be taken is the removal of selected kernel versions.
• all: This tells vkpurge to remove all kernel versions deemed unused by default system rules. It removes any version not currently in use or not needed for fallback purposes.

Example output:

Deleted 4.15.0-116
Deleted 4.14.0-115

The output indicates successful removal of specific kernel versions, with each line confirming the deletion of an old kernel from your system.

Use case 3: Removing kernel versions matching a specific pattern

Code:

vkpurge rm version

Motivation:

When managing kernels, you may want to maintain specific versions for various reasons, such as testing, specific software compatibility, or as a fallback option. The capability to remove versions matching a certain pattern allows for nuanced management by specifying exactly which kernels to clean up, without affecting other versions you wish to keep. This is especially useful if you identify that kernels only from a particular development series, e.g., ‘4.15.*’, are cluttering the system, and you want to keep newer or actively used versions from being impacted.

Explanation:

• vkpurge: This initiates the vkpurge tool for kernel maintenance tasks.
• rm: The ‘rm’ argument signals that the operation involves deleting certain kernel versions.
• version: This provides a shell glob pattern. Only kernel versions that match this pattern will be removed, allowing for targeted cleanup.

Example output:

Deleted 4.15.0-117
Deleted 4.15.0-114

The example output shows each removed kernel version matching the specified pattern, confirming the successful execution of the command and the removal of the designated kernels.

Conclusion

The vkpurge command is an essential tool for Void Linux users who want to maintain an orderly system environment by efficiently managing kernel versions. Each use case above illustrates a different scenario you might encounter when dealing with outdated or surplus kernel versions, from simply listing them to removing them en masse or selectively. By using vkpurge, users can ensure that their operating system remains lean and efficient, with only the necessary kernels installed at any given time.