dh_auto_configure - Linux

Overview

dh_auto_configure is a tool used in Debian packaging to analyze the source code of a package and generate a debian/rules file based on the analysis. This file specifies the build process for the Debian package. dh_auto_configure is particularly useful when the source code uses the configure script for configuration.

Syntax

dh_auto_configure [options] source-directory [debian/rules]

Options/Flags

  • -v, –verbose: Verbose output.
  • -d, –delete: Delete the specified debian/rules file if one already exists.
  • –buildsys: Specify the build system. Possible values are: autotools, cmake, meson, pkgconfig, m4, perl, python, guile, portage, scons, and waf.
  • –build-options=OPTIONS: Set build options to be passed to the build system.
  • –host-options=OPTIONS: Set host options to be passed to the build system.
  • –install-options=OPTIONS: Set install options to be passed to the build system.
  • –no-autobuild: Don’t run the build system after generating the debian/rules file.
  • –fix-autotools-deps: Fix autotools dependencies if possible.
  • –deep: Analyze dependencies recursively.
  • –build: Build the package using the generated debian/rules file.
  • –install: Install the package using the generated debian/rules file.
  • –make-conf: Create a make conf file for the package.
  • –true: Set the result to true.
  • –false: Set the result to false.
  • –help: Show help.

Examples

To generate a debian/rules file for a package that uses the configure script:

dh_auto_configure

To generate a debian/rules file and build the package:

dh_auto_configure --build

To generate a debian/rules file and install the package:

dh_auto_configure --install

Common Issues

  • If the source code does not use the configure script, dh_auto_configure may not be able to generate a debian/rules file.
  • If the configure script is not properly configured, dh_auto_configure may not be able to generate a correct debian/rules file.

Integration

dh_auto_configure can be integrated with other Debian packaging tools such as dh_make and dpkg-buildpackage.

Related Commands

  • dh_make – Create a Debian source package.
  • dpkg-buildpackage – Build a Debian binary package.
  • dh_installdeb – Install a Debian binary package.