dpkg-divert – Create and Manage a Divert List in Debian Linux

dpkg-divert is a command-line utility that allows you to manage the diversion of Debian package files to another location. The command is used to create and manage a divert list in Debian Linux. The divert list is a record of files that have been diverted and their new locations. This command is essential when you need to modify files that are installed by a Debian package without modifying the package itself.

Overview

The syntax for using dpkg-divert command is as follows:

dpkg-divert [option] [file]

The option parameter specifies the action to be performed on the file, and the file parameter specifies the file to be diverted.

Creating a Divert List

To create a new divert list, use the following command:

dpkg-divert --add [file]

This command will create a new entry in the divert list for the specified file.

Diverting a File

To divert a file, use the following command:

dpkg-divert --divert [new-file] [file]

This command will divert the specified file to the new location specified by new-file. The original file will be replaced with a symlink to the new location.

Removing a Diversion

To remove a diversion, use the following command:

dpkg-divert --remove [file]

This command will remove the diversion for the specified file.

Options

The following table lists the available options for the dpkg-divert command:

Option Description
–add Add a new diversion to the divert list.
–remove Remove a diversion from the divert list.
–list List all diversions in the divert list.
–list [file] List all diversions for the specified file.
–divert [new-file] [file] Divert the specified file to the new location specified by new-file.
–rename [new-file] [file] Rename the specified file to the new name specified by new-file.
–truename [file] Print the true name of the specified file.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If you encounter permission errors, make sure you have sufficient privileges to modify the files you are diverting.
  • If you encounter issues with the package that you have diverted files from, try reinstalling the package to restore the original files.

Notes

  • dpkg-divert is a powerful tool that can modify the behavior of Debian packages. Use it with caution and make sure you understand the consequences of your actions.
  • Diverted files may not be updated when the original package is updated. It is your responsibility to maintain the diverted files and update them when necessary.