dh_lintian - Linux

Overview

dh_lintian is a command-line tool used in Debian packaging to check the quality of Debian source packages. It runs Lintian, a linter for Debian packages, and helps identify potential issues or problems with the package.

Syntax

dh_lintian [options]

Options/Flags

• -b, –build: Build the package before running Lintian.
• -f, –format=FORMAT: Output format (defaults to "plain").
• -g, –gpg-check: Check GPG signatures of the package.
• -h, –help: Display usage information.
• -n, –no-check: Don’t build or check the package.
• -p, –pedantic: Use stricter checking rules.
• -q, –quiet: Suppress output.
• -v, –verbose: Enable verbose output.
• -w, –warnings-as-errors: Treat warnings as errors.
• –show-details: Show details of each check.
• –show-tags: Show the tags associated with each check.

Examples

Simple usage:

dh_lintian

Build the package and check with pedantic rules:

dh_lintian -bp

Check the package without building it:

dh_lintian -n

Common Issues

• Missing dependencies: Ensure all dependencies required by the package are installed.
• Incorrect version numbers: Verify that version numbers in the package control file match the actual package contents.
• Unsigned source packages: Sign source packages before uploading them to a repository.

Integration

Combine with dpkg-buildpackage:

dpkg-buildpackage -us -uc | dh_lintian -

Use in a Git pre-commit hook:

git config --local hooks.pre-commit "./debian/hooks/pre-commit"

Related Commands

• lintian: Debian package linter
• dh: Debian helper program
• dpkg-buildpackage: Debian package builder