If you've been using Linux for a while, you've probably noticed that one of the most common ways to install third-party applications is through a Deb package. This is often the only way to get this software, as developers can't worry about adapting the dozens of different formats offered by the Linux platform. Many non-Debian-based Linux distributions have their own ways to solve this problem. However, of all the Linux distributions, Arch Linux has the most interesting way to run a Debian package. In this article, we'll explain three ways to do this and discuss which one is best.
Note: The steps below will work with all Arch-based distributions. You can also Install Arch Linux on your computer by following the guide below.
Installation via AUR
The AUR is the first place to check when looking for software that isn't officially supported on Arch Linux. Always check here first. It's a service that allows anyone to download the PKGBUILD script, which is designed to automatically retrieve software from various sources, download some or all of the dependencies needed to run it, and compile the original Arch Linux package.
When using AUR, there are two ways to do this:
1. Use AUR Assistant
If you want to get things done quickly without jumping through hoops, use an AUR helper like yay or yaourt. This won't let you install a .deb file, but you might be able to find the package in the arch format, which is created by Arch users.
Chances are if you're using Manjaro, Endeavor, Garuda, or another Arch-based distribution, you have an AUR helper installed. Check your distribution's documentation to see what's included. yay uses both Garuda and Endeavor.
If you prefer a graphical environment, you can always install the pamac-aur package with the AUR helper—if it isn't already installed. Note that you'll need to enable AUR support after installation under “Preferences -> Third Party”.
2. Manually install AUR packages
Another way to get unofficial packs is to go to AUR website Use the search bar and download. snapshot This is a less automated process, but it's worth the effort if you want more fine-grained control over how packages are created or installed. Instead of installing the package immediately, you'll produce a native package that you can modify for your own purposes.
This means that if you have a dedicated personal repository set up, you can easily place these newly built packages into the repository for easy installation.
Note: If you only plan to use the Arch core repositories and AUR, installing packages using the AUR helper is a much better option than manual builds.
Most (if not all) programs that come in DEB format will only be found in the AUR. Here's how to compile one as an Arch package from scratch.
- Make sure you install git packages وArch Developer Base By writing
sudo pacman -S --needed git base-devel
At your station.
2. Pay attention to Git Clone URL On the AUR page of the package you want to download, install, and copy it. Use this URL in the open device's home directory, like so:
git clone [pasted URL]
This will download the git repository for the package along with a configuration file. PKGBuild For the tool makepkg strong in Arch.
3. Write
cd [package name]
To navigate to the package build directory you just downloaded.
4. Write
makepkg -yes
To create and install the package automatically.
If you're curious, the sign
-s (--syncdeps)
Automatically picks up all dependencies related to the package available in the official Arch Linux repositories, while the tag tells
-i (--install)
Your system not only compiles the package but also integrates it into your system (e.g., creates menu items, performs necessary integration into kernel arguments if there are any, etc.).
Install via Debtap
If, for some reason, the Debtap you need is not in the AUR, install DebtapIt's a program that decompiles a Debian package and converts it into an Arch package that your package manager can "understand."
warning: Use this method at your own discretion. The .deb package you are installing may break if the package maintainers rely on it to receive updates that remove features or functionality. This doesn't happen all the time, but you should be aware that this method may not always work perfectly.
- Start by installing Debtap Through AUR By following the instructions in the previous section.
- Once installed, run sudo debap -u You must update your Dionap repositories once. Otherwise, the app will not work.
- Download the .deb file which you want to convert, then cd In the directory where you downloaded it, use the following command:
debtap packagetoconvert.deb
4. Anytime Debtap asks you to enter data, you can simply ignore it and press Enter with keyboard.
5. When finished, Debtap will create a The file “pkg.*.zst” The package manager can interpret and install it using offline installation procedures.
6. cd in the directory where you converted .deb package To him and write:
sudo pacman -U [package-name]
Install manually
warning: This method is highly insecure and should only be used when there is no other option and you already have an advanced understanding of how certain packages work and the behaviors Arch expects. For example, some applications (such as Plymouth, Virtualbox, etc.) may require hooks in the kernel that can only be installed by editing the configuration files and rebuilding the kernel with these hooks. Furthermore, using this method also does not install your package dependencies.
Although it's not the most elegant solution, when there's no way to convert a .deb file using Debtap or compile it using the AUR pkgbuild, the best way is to extract the Debian package itself and put the files where they should go.
Although this may involve a lot of tedium compared to the previous methods, it is more platform-dependent, which means you can use this method on many other distributions such as Void Linux and Fedora and openSUSE. I have not tested this in Gentoo and Slackware, so your mileage may vary due to how both distributions handle installation packages.
Debian packages are archives containing binaries inside them, so they don't need to be compiled. To install the files in any Deb package on Arch, first extract it to a folder. Keep in mind that you'll also need to extract the archive known as Data Inside this folder as well.
For example, to install Google Chrome You must first enter CD In a folder Deb Extract with extracted contents from “data.tar.xz” Inside.
cd ~/Downloads/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64
Next, run the ls command to reveal all the folders in the data archive inside the Deb package. Note the names of these folders. cd In each directory and move the contents of those directories to where they belong on the system.
For example:
cd ~/Downloads/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64/etc sudo mv * /etc/ cd ~/Downloads/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64/opt sudo mv * /opt/
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why does it take? Debtap Long time?
answer. Debtap takes the metadata provided in the .deb file to create the most faithful Arch package, minimizing problems and providing relevant information for pacman to install in addition to the package itself. This involves a significant amount of tedium beyond simply unpacking the tarball.
Additionally, the Debtap script converts files using only one CPU core, making single-core performance the determining factor affecting how long it takes your system to complete the process. Expect large packages to take several minutes.
Q2. Can I use a graphical installer after running Debtap?
answer. Yes! If you have any version of pamac installed, you can run the tar-zst Debtap file through your file manager. By selecting pamac as the program to run the file, you can simply double-click it as you would any .deb package in Debian to automatically install it and all its dependencies.
Q3. How does Debtap compare to AUR?
answer. You should view Debtap as a last resort for installing something you really need and can't find in the AUR. If you can find something in the AUR, it's always a better option to install that package than using a .deb file.
Finally
One of the best things about Arch Linux is the number of ways users can install packages—from the AUR, to custom repositories, to decompiling other distributions' packages to make them run. While this information isn't new, it's certainly a good resource for those new to Arch and looking for ways to install their favorite software.
Read on to find out. Tools to help you create your own Linux distribution.
