dh_gencontrol - Linux
Overview
dh_gencontrol processes header files and generates the information for the control field of a Debian package. It is typically used during the packaging process to ensure the generated Debian control file reflects the project’s metadata and dependencies.
Syntax
dh_gencontrol [--help] [-a] [-c] [-q] [-s] [-S] [-P] [-u] [-v] [-x] [-C controlfile] [-F debian/control.deb-file] [-N package] [-X extra-field]
Options/Flags
- -a or –all: Generate control fields for all headers.
- -c or –custom: Custom field.
- -q or –quiet: Quieter output.
- -s or –sourced: Only the name of the sourced package is put in the control field.
- -S or –no-sourced: No file sourced is put in the control field.
- -P or –pattern: Pattern of header names to output.
- -u or –update-control: Update/Add fields to control file instead of creating a new one.
- -v or –verbose: Verbose output.
- -x or –allow-overrides: Allow user overrides.
- -C controlfile: Name of control file.
- -F debian/control.deb-file: Name of debian/control file of the package.
- -N package: Name of package.
- -X extra-field: Put extra field in control file.
Examples
Generate control fields for all headers:
dh_gencontrol
Update the existing control file:
dh_gencontrol -u
Append extra field to the control file:
dh_gencontrol -X fields::runtime-apt=perl
Common Issues
Error: No such file or directory
Ensure the header files you are referencing exist in the expected location.
Integration
With debhelper:
dh_gencontrol is commonly used within debhelper, a comprehensive suite of tools for building Debian packages. It can be invoked as part of the dh command, which automates many aspects of the packaging process.
Example:
dh --with auto-build configure
Related Commands
- dpkg-deb: Manages Debian packages.
- dh_make: Creates a Debian source package.
- dh_install: Installs a Debian package.