How to change dependencies of a Debian package

igorzwx · 2025-04-14 00:56:03

There is a standard method with which to modify Debian packages.
We can use it to remove strange dependencies of strawberry_1.2.9-bookworm_amd64.deb (github)
_https://github.com/strawberrymusicplayer/strawberry/releases/tag/1.2.9

_https://github.com/strawberrymusicplayer/strawberry
Strawberry is a music player and music collection organizer. It is a fork of Clementine released in 2018 aimed at music collectors and audiophiles.

It is aimed at audiophiles in the sense, perhaps, that it depends on gstreamer1.0-pulseaudio. There is a common belief that Linux users, in general, and Linux audiophiles, in particular, tend to be semi-deaf and semi-blind, and, therefore, they want to use pulseaudio and all sorts of equalizers, amplifiers, and DACs to enhance high frequencies.

Why are high frequency sounds typically the first to go in hearing loss?
https://www.newyorkhearingdoctors.com/why-are-high-frequency-sounds-typically-the-first-to-go-in-hearing-loss/

Download: strawberry_1.2.9-bookworm_amd64.deb (github)

https://github.com/strawberrymusicplayer/strawberry/releases/download/1.2.9/strawberry_1.2.9-bookworm_amd64.deb

$ ls
strawberry_1.2.9-bookworm_amd64.deb

$ dpkg --info *.deb | grep Depends -B5
 Package: strawberry
 Version: 1.2.9-bookworm
 Architecture: amd64
 Maintainer: Jonas Kvinge <jonas@jkvinge.net>
 Installed-Size: 13869
 Depends: libasound2 (>= 1.0.16), libc6 (>= 2.34), libcdio19 (>= 2.1.0), libchromaprint1 (>= 1.3.2), libebur128-1 (>= 1.1.0), libfftw3-double3 (>= 3.3.10), libgcc-s1 (>= 3.0), libgdk-pixbuf-2.0-0 (>= 2.22.0), libglib2.0-0 (>= 2.51.0), libgpod4 (>= 0.7.0), libgstreamer-plugins-base1.0-0 (>= 1.0.0), libgstreamer1.0-0 (>= 1.6.0), libicu72 (>= 72.1~rc-1~), libmtp9 (>= 1.1.0), libpulse0 (>= 0.99.1), libqt6concurrent6 (>= 6.1.2), libqt6core6 (>= 6.4.0), libqt6dbus6 (>= 6.4.0), libqt6gui6 (>= 6.3.0), libqt6network6 (>= 6.4.0), libqt6sql6 (>= 6.1.2), libqt6widgets6 (>= 6.3.0), libsqlite3-0 (>= 3.6.11), libstdc++6 (>= 11), libtag1v5 (>= 1.11), libx11-6, libqt6sql6-sqlite, qt6-qpa-plugins, gstreamer1.0-plugins-base, gstreamer1.0-plugins-good, gstreamer1.0-alsa, gstreamer1.0-pulseaudio

gstreamer1.0-alsa, gstreamer1.0-pulseaudio are, of course, pseudo-dependencies. They are not real dependencies in the sense that they can be safely removed.

Strawberry player is simply a GUI for GStreamer, and nothing more. Regardless of what you think GStreamer is, it does not depend on its plugins. It should be obvious that GStreamer plugins depend on GStreamer and not other way round.

There is a reason, of course, why the GStreamer package is split into "libgstreamer" and "plugins". If you have not been initiated into the secret knowledge of GStreamer, you may try to read its documentation
_https://gstreamer.freedesktop.org/documentation/installing/on-linux.html

ALSA users may want to install gstreamer1.0-alsa.
OSS4 users may want to remove gstreamer1.0-alsa, in order to use GStreamer based media players (e.g. Totem, Parole, and the like) with OSS4.

NOTE: ALSA users are recommended to install "gstreamer1.0-alsa". Otherwise, GStreamer may use "openalsink" with ALSA.
_https://gstreamer.freedesktop.org/documentation/openal/openalsink.html

It is not difficult to correct dependencies of a Debian package.

Install fakeroot

sudo apt install fakeroot

$ ls
strawberry_1.2.9-bookworm_amd64.deb

Open fakeroot console and execute mkdir debdir:

$ fakeroot
# mkdir debdir

# ls -1
debdir
strawberry_1.2.9-bookworm_amd64.deb

Unpack the deb package to debdir

# dpkg-deb -R *.deb debdir

# ls -1 ./debdir
DEBIAN
usr

# ls -1 ./debdir/DEBIAN
control
md5sums

# file ./debdir/DEBIAN/control
./debdir/DEBIAN/control: ASCII text, with very long lines (784)

Remove unwanted dependencies with a text editor:

# nano ./debdir/DEBIAN/control
Unable to create directory /root/.local/share/nano/: Permission denied
It is required for saving/loading search history or cursor positions.

You may have noticed that nano is complaining about missing root privileges.
This is because "fakeroot" is not a real "root", as the name suggests.
Such complaints can be safely ignored.

# cat ./debdir/DEBIAN/control | grep Depends -B5 -A1
Package: strawberry
Version: 1.2.9-bookworm
Architecture: amd64
Maintainer: Jonas Kvinge <jonas@jkvinge.net>
Installed-Size: 13869
Depends: libasound2 (>= 1.0.16), libc6 (>= 2.34), libcdio19 (>= 2.1.0), libchromaprint1 (>= 1.3.2), libebur128-1 (>= 1.1.0), libfftw3-double3 (>= 3.3.10), libgcc-s1 (>= 3.0), libgdk-pixbuf-2.0-0 (>= 2.22.0), libglib2.0-0 (>= 2.51.0), libgpod4 (>= 0.7.0), libgstreamer-plugins-base1.0-0 (>= 1.0.0), libgstreamer1.0-0 (>= 1.6.0), libicu72 (>= 72.1~rc-1~), libmtp9 (>= 1.1.0), libpulse0 (>= 0.99.1), libqt6concurrent6 (>= 6.1.2), libqt6core6 (>= 6.4.0), libqt6dbus6 (>= 6.4.0), libqt6gui6 (>= 6.3.0), libqt6network6 (>= 6.4.0), libqt6sql6 (>= 6.1.2), libqt6widgets6 (>= 6.3.0), libsqlite3-0 (>= 3.6.11), libstdc++6 (>= 11), libtag1v5 (>= 1.11), libx11-6, libqt6sql6-sqlite, qt6-qpa-plugins, gstreamer1.0-plugins-base, gstreamer1.0-plugins-good
Suggests: gstreamer1.0-alsa, gstreamer1.0-pulseaudio

Build the package:

# dpkg-deb -b debdir strawberry_1.2.9-devuan_amd64-fixed.deb
dpkg-deb: building package 'strawberry' in 'strawberry_1.2.9-devuan_amd64-fixed.deb'.

# ls -1 *.deb
strawberry_1.2.9-bookworm_amd64.deb
strawberry_1.2.9-devuan_amd64-fixed.deb

Exit fakeroot console

# exit
exit

Check dependencies

$ dpkg --info *fixed.deb | grep Depends -B5 -A1
 Package: strawberry
 Version: 1.2.9-bookworm
 Architecture: amd64
 Maintainer: Jonas Kvinge <jonas@jkvinge.net>
 Installed-Size: 13869
 Depends: libasound2 (>= 1.0.16), libc6 (>= 2.34), libcdio19 (>= 2.1.0), libchromaprint1 (>= 1.3.2), libebur128-1 (>= 1.1.0), libfftw3-double3 (>= 3.3.10), libgcc-s1 (>= 3.0), libgdk-pixbuf-2.0-0 (>= 2.22.0), libglib2.0-0 (>= 2.51.0), libgpod4 (>= 0.7.0), libgstreamer-plugins-base1.0-0 (>= 1.0.0), libgstreamer1.0-0 (>= 1.6.0), libicu72 (>= 72.1~rc-1~), libmtp9 (>= 1.1.0), libpulse0 (>= 0.99.1), libqt6concurrent6 (>= 6.1.2), libqt6core6 (>= 6.4.0), libqt6dbus6 (>= 6.4.0), libqt6gui6 (>= 6.3.0), libqt6network6 (>= 6.4.0), libqt6sql6 (>= 6.1.2), libqt6widgets6 (>= 6.3.0), libsqlite3-0 (>= 3.6.11), libstdc++6 (>= 11), libtag1v5 (>= 1.11), libx11-6, libqt6sql6-sqlite, qt6-qpa-plugins, gstreamer1.0-plugins-base, gstreamer1.0-plugins-good
 Suggests: gstreamer1.0-alsa, gstreamer1.0-pulseaudio

Install Strawberry

sudo dpkg -i strawberry_1.2.9-devuan_amd64-fixed.deb

$ strawberry --version
Strawberry 1.2.9

$ apt info strawberry | grep Package: -A2
Package: strawberry
Version: 1.2.9-bookworm
Status: install ok installed

You can also rename a Debian package, change version, add scripts to debdir/usr/bin, and so on.
Notice that it is immoral (and illegal) to insert malware into Debian packages.

To debug Strawberry, you can simply start it from terminal.

EXAMPLES:

Strawberry is using "openalsink" with ALSA:

$ strawberry 
...
22:24:48.921 DEBUG Player:776                       Playing song "" QUrl("file:///.../audio/audio_test_48kHz_16bit.flac") position 0
22:24:48.921 DEBUG GstEnginePipeline:459            Using "playbin" for pipeline
22:24:48.974 DEBUG GstEnginePipeline:797            Setting buffer duration: 4000000000 low watermark: 0.33 high watermark: 0.99
22:24:48.976 DEBUG GstEnginePipeline:480            "openalsink" does not have volume, using own volume.
...
[fftrate ALSA plugin output]
Input:  44100 Hz, 2 ch, 's32_le' (0xa): dummy = 0, period = 1764
Output: 48000 Hz, 2 ch, 's16_le' (0x2): dummy = 0, period = 1920
Rates:  44100 --> 48000 (J: 0.00%, T: FFT, W: Vorbis)
Ok.

Input:  48000 Hz, 2 ch, 's32_le' (0xa): dummy = 0, period = 1920
Output: 48000 Hz, 2 ch, 's16_le' (0x2): dummy = 0, period = 1920
Rates:  48000 --> 48000 (J: 0.00%, T: None, W: Planar)
Ok.

Strawberry is using "oss4sink" with OSS4:

$ strawberry 
...
22:16:51.126 DEBUG Player:776                       Playing song "" QUrl("file:///.../audio/audio_test_48kHz_16bit.flac") position 0
22:16:51.126 DEBUG GstEnginePipeline:459            Using "playbin" for pipeline
22:16:51.250 DEBUG GstEnginePipeline:626            "oss4sink" has volume, enabling volume synchronization.

Last edited by igorzwx (2025-04-14 01:07:55)

igorzwx · 2025-06-01 02:25:10

There is a secret method with which to calculate the true dependencies of a Debian package.

➤ man dh_shlibdeps | grep DESCRIPTION -A5
DESCRIPTION
       dh_shlibdeps is a debhelper program that is responsible for calculating shared library dependencies
       for packages.

       This program is merely a wrapper around dpkg-shlibdeps(1) that calls it once for each package listed
       in the control file, passing it a list of ELF executables and shared libraries it has found.

Let us try it with the advanced music player for semi-deaf and semi-blind audiphiles:
_https://github.com/strawberrymusicplayer/strawberry/releases/download/1.2.11/strawberry_1.2.11-bookworm_amd64.deb

➤ dpkg --info strawberry_1.2.11-bookworm_amd64.deb | grep Depends -B5
 Package: strawberry
 Version: 1.2.11-bookworm
 Architecture: amd64
 Maintainer: Jonas Kvinge <jonas@jkvinge.net>
 Installed-Size: 13929
 Depends: libasound2 (>= 1.0.16), libc6 (>= 2.34), libcdio19 (>= 2.1.0), libchromaprint1 (>= 1.3.2), libebur128-1 (>= 1.1.0), libfftw3-double3 (>= 3.3.10), libgcc-s1 (>= 3.0), libgdk-pixbuf-2.0-0 (>= 2.22.0), libglib2.0-0 (>= 2.51.0), libgpod4 (>= 0.7.0), libgstreamer-plugins-base1.0-0 (>= 1.0.0), libgstreamer1.0-0 (>= 1.6.0), libicu72 (>= 72.1~rc-1~), libmtp9 (>= 1.1.0), libpulse0 (>= 0.99.1), libqt6concurrent6 (>= 6.1.2), libqt6core6 (>= 6.4.0), libqt6dbus6 (>= 6.4.0), libqt6gui6 (>= 6.3.0), libqt6network6 (>= 6.4.0), libqt6sql6 (>= 6.1.2), libqt6widgets6 (>= 6.3.0), libsqlite3-0 (>= 3.6.11), libstdc++6 (>= 11), libtag1v5 (>= 1.11), libx11-6, libqt6sql6-sqlite, qt6-qpa-plugins, gstreamer1.0-plugins-base, gstreamer1.0-plugins-good, gstreamer1.0-alsa, gstreamer1.0-pulseaudio

What is obviously wrong is the dependency on "gstreamer1.0-alsa, gstreamer1.0-pulseaudio".

Although it is immoral to deceive the deaf, blind, and demented, Linux users are often fooled about pulseaudio dependencies. Therefore, you have to be paranoid and constantly verify the dependencies of Debian packages.

Open the fakeroot console:

➤ fakeroot

# mkdir debdir

# ls -1
debdir  
strawberry_1.2.11-bookworm_amd64.deb

# dpkg-deb -R *.deb debdir

# mkdir debian

# ls -1
debdir
debian
strawberry_1.2.11-bookworm_amd64.deb

# echo -e "Source: strawberry\nPackage: strawberry\nDepends: \${shlibs:Depends}" >> debian/control

# cat debian/control
Source: strawberry
Package: strawberry
Depends: ${shlibs:Depends}

Run "dpkg-shlibdeps" to calculate the true dependencies

# dpkg-shlibdeps -v -xstrawberry --ignore-missing-info -e $(find debdir -type f 2>/dev/null)

The result of calculations is written into debian/substvars

# cat debian/substvars
shlibs:Depends=libasound2 (>= 1.0.16), libc6 (>= 2.34), libcdio19 (>= 2.1.0), libchromaprint1 (>= 1.3.2), libebur128-1 (>= 1.1.0), libfftw3-double3 (>= 3.3.10), libgcc-s1 (>= 3.0), libgdk-pixbuf-2.0-0 (>= 2.22.0), libglib2.0-0 (>= 2.51.0), libgpod4 (>= 0.7.0), libgstreamer-plugins-base1.0-0 (>= 1.0.0), libgstreamer1.0-0 (>= 1.6.0), libicu72 (>= 72.1~rc-1~), libmtp9 (>= 1.1.0), libpulse0 (>= 0.99.1), libqt6concurrent6 (>= 6.1.2), libqt6core6 (>= 6.4.0), libqt6dbus6 (>= 6.4.0), libqt6gui6 (>= 6.3.0), libqt6network6 (>= 6.4.0), libqt6sql6 (>= 6.1.2), libqt6widgets6 (>= 6.3.0), libsqlite3-0 (>= 3.6.11), libstdc++6 (>= 11), libtag1v5 (>= 1.11), libx11-6

Now, with the help of a text editor, you can simply replace the false "Depends" with the true "Depends".

nano debdir/DEBIAN/control

It should look like this:

# cat debdir/DEBIAN/control | grep Depends
Depends: libasound2 (>= 1.0.16), libc6 (>= 2.34), libcdio19 (>= 2.1.0), libchromaprint1 (>= 1.3.2), libebur128-1 (>= 1.1.0), libfftw3-double3 (>= 3.3.10), libgcc-s1 (>= 3.0), libgdk-pixbuf-2.0-0 (>= 2.22.0), libglib2.0-0 (>= 2.51.0), libgpod4 (>= 0.7.0), libgstreamer-plugins-base1.0-0 (>= 1.0.0), libgstreamer1.0-0 (>= 1.6.0), libicu72 (>= 72.1~rc-1~), libmtp9 (>= 1.1.0), libpulse0 (>= 0.99.1), libqt6concurrent6 (>= 6.1.2), libqt6core6 (>= 6.4.0), libqt6dbus6 (>= 6.4.0), libqt6gui6 (>= 6.3.0), libqt6network6 (>= 6.4.0), libqt6sql6 (>= 6.1.2), libqt6widgets6 (>= 6.3.0), libsqlite3-0 (>= 3.6.11), libstdc++6 (>= 11), libtag1v5 (>= 1.11), libx11-6

When dependencies are corrected, you can build the package:

# dpkg-deb -b debdir strawberry_1.2.11-devuan_amd64-fixed.deb
dpkg-deb: building package 'strawberry' in 'strawberry_1.2.11-devuan_amd64-fixed.deb'.

Exit fakeroot console:

# exit
exit

Now, you can install Strawberry with true dependencies:

sudo dpkg -i strawberry_1.2.11-devuan_amd64-fixed.deb

The question remains: what is the origin of pseudo-dependencies in Debian packages?
Obviously, they are man-made rather than naturally produced by invisible magic forces.

Debian packages can be build manually in an old-fashioned way (e.g., with dpkg-deb), without the help of the "debhelper". However, the Debian packaging system is also capable of producing pseudo-dependencies. You can simply add such dependencies into debian/control, for example:

Depends:
 ${shlibs:Depends},
 ${misc:Depends},
 pulseaudio

Then, build the package with "dpkg-buildpackage -us -uc -b". It will produce a Debian package which depends on pulseaudio.

Last edited by igorzwx (2025-06-01 03:12:13)

ralph.ronnquist · 2025-06-01 03:41:19

Yes, the Depends: should only relate to ABI requirements and all else should be Recommeds: or Suggests:.

Though I see that your strawberry deb is not the one in the Devuan (Debian) repository. So whilst your method is good or indeed very good, its details differ from a Devuanite experience which at least will find pulseaudio promoted (demoted) into (indirect) Recommends.

igorzwx · 2025-06-01 11:57:37

RE: "Devuanite experience"

I have not yet noticed pulseaudio in Recommends. It should not be there. If it is in Recommends, it is automatically installed.
Of course, it can be installed against your will. That is why you have to pin it with a secret esoteric command.

On Devuan, one may still need to have a long list of pinned packages.
There is a conspiracy theory about "Apt’s Best Kept Secret" (a sort of post-esoteric surrealism, perhaps).

Since I am using OSS4 with gstreamer, I have to pin gstreamer1.0-pulseaudio and gstreamer1.0-alsa with the secret command.
Now, they are not going to be installed:

➤ apt-cache policy gstreamer1.0-pulseaudio gstreamer1.0-alsa
gstreamer1.0-pulseaudio:
  Installed: (none)
  Candidate: (none)
  Version table:
     1.22.0-5+deb12u2 -1
        500 http://deb.devuan.org/merged daedalus/main amd64 Packages
        500 http://deb.devuan.org/merged daedalus-security/main amd64 Packages
gstreamer1.0-alsa:
  Installed: (none)
  Candidate: (none)
  Version table:
     1.22.0-3+deb12u4 -1
        500 http://deb.devuan.org/merged daedalus/main amd64 Packages
     1.22.0-3+deb12u3 -1
        500 http://deb.devuan.org/merged daedalus-security/main amd64 Packages

➤ apt install clementine --simulate
NOTE: This is only a simulation!
...
Recommended packages:
  gstreamer1.0-alsa | gstreamer1.0-pulseaudio
The following NEW packages will be installed:
  clementine liblastfm5-1 libmygpo-qt5-1

⟡ AI Overview
Post-esoteric surrealism refers to the period of surrealism after World War II, where the movement shifted away from the initial emphasis on the unconscious and dreamlike imagery towards a greater focus on the occult and esoteric aspects of art and philosophy. This shift was influenced by the tumultuous events of the war and the subsequent rise of existentialism and other philosophical movements.

Last edited by igorzwx (2025-06-01 15:17:21)

Altoid · 2025-06-01 13:34:32

Hello:

RE: "Devuanite experience"
Please excuse my OT but as you have mentioned it:

igorzwx wrote:

... one may still need to have a long list of pinned packages.

My Daedalus box has these:

$ apt-cache policy
--- snip ---
Pinned packages:
     pulseaudio -> 16.1+dfsg1-2+b1 with priority -1
     pulseaudio:i386 -> 16.1+dfsg1-2+b1 with priority -1
     apparmor -> 3.0.8-3 with priority -1
     apparmor:i386 -> 3.0.8-3 with priority -1
     zeitgeist-datahub -> 1.0.4-5 with priority -1
     zeitgeist -> 1.0.4-5 with priority -1
     zeitgeist-core -> 1.0.4-5 with priority -1
$

Made me wonder if it was long enough.

Best,

A.

igorzwx · 2025-06-01 14:04:57

$ apt-cache policy
...
Pinned packages:
     pipewire-pulse -> 0.3.65-3+deb12u1 with priority -1
     pulseaudio -> 16.1+dfsg1-2+b1 with priority -1    
     pipewire -> 0.3.65-3+deb12u1 with priority -1
     pavucontrol -> 5.0-2 with priority -1
     gstreamer1.0-alsa -> 1.22.0-3+deb12u4 with priority -1
     gstreamer1.0-alsa -> 1.22.0-3+deb12u3 with priority -1
     gstreamer1.0-pipewire -> 0.3.65-3+deb12u1 with priority -1
     pipewire-bin -> 0.3.65-3+deb12u1 with priority -1
     pulseaudio-module-bluetooth -> 16.1+dfsg1-2+b1 with priority -1
     gstreamer1.0-pulseaudio -> 1.22.0-5+deb12u2 with priority -1

ALSA users have to install gstreamer1.0-alsa and remove gstreamer1.0-pulseaudio in order to improve sound quality with gstreamer.

OSS4 users have to remove gstreamer1.0-alsa and gstreamer1.0-pulseaudio. This automatically enables the gstreamer OSS4 backend (if OSS4 is installed).

gstreamer1.0-pipewire should also be removed.

The unwanted plugins should also be pinned.

greenjeans · 2025-06-01 14:48:04

Nice tutorial!

But there's also a quick and dirty way to do this that doesn't involve all that and takes about 10 seconds.

igorzwx · 2025-06-01 17:50:10

@greenjeans

It is not difficult to unpack a Debian package, edit "control" with a text editor (nano, pluma, or mousepad, or else), and pack it again.

What is the "Best Kept Secret" is how to calculate the true dependencies.
That is why you have to fake a "sourcedir" (create a fake debian/control).
Then you can run "dpkg-shlibdeps". Otherwise, it may complain about missing "debian/control", for example:

➤ dpkg-shlibdeps /usr/bin/whereis
dpkg-shlibdeps: error: cannot read debian/control: No such file or directory

Why is it a sort of secret knowledge? It is about a ritual justification of social status.

⟡AI Overview
Secular rituals, which are non-religious customs and practices, can influence social status by fostering social bonding and positive affect, similar to religious rituals. Studies have shown that secular rituals, like those at Sunday Assemblies, can increase social connection, boost positive emotions, and decrease negative emotions, potentially leading to improved mental well-being.
Here's a more detailed look at how secular rituals impact social status:
1. Fostering Social Bonding:
Secular rituals, such as family traditions, celebrations, or community gatherings, can create a sense of belonging and connection among participants.
Rituals can reinforce shared values and beliefs, strengthening social bonds within a group.
Studies have found that the increase in social bonding in secular rituals is comparable to religious rituals.
2. Boosting Positive Affect and Reducing Negative Affect:
Participating in secular rituals can lead to increased positive emotions and decreased negative emotions.
These positive emotions can, in turn, contribute to a greater sense of social connection and well-being.
The "broaden and build" hypothesis suggests that positive emotions broaden attention, leading to more social connections and improved mental well-being.
3. Examples of Secular Rituals:
Family traditions: Celebrating holidays, birthdays, or other milestones with specific rituals.
Community gatherings: Participating in local festivals, community events, or sporting events.
Rites of passage: Celebrating graduations, weddings, or other life transitions with rituals.
Creating your own secular rituals: Developing personal practices that mark important moments or foster connections.
4. Social Status and Secular Rituals:
Participating in secular rituals can contribute to a higher social status by strengthening social bonds and fostering a sense of belonging.
By actively engaging in these rituals, individuals may be perceived as more connected, engaged, and socially skilled.
Rituals can also serve as a way to express shared values and beliefs, reinforcing group identity and social cohesion.
5. Secular Rituals as an Alternative to Religious Rituals:
For individuals who do not identify with religious traditions, secular rituals can provide a means of experiencing social bonding and positive affect.
Secular rituals can serve as an alternative way to create meaning and purpose in life while still fostering social connection.
By participating in secular rituals, individuals may feel more connected to their community and less isolated.
United on Sunday: The effects of secular rituals on social bonding and affect
27 Jan 2021
PubMed
United on Sunday: The effects of secular rituals on social ...
Results showed the increase in social bonding taking place in secular rituals is comparable to religious rituals. We also found th...
PubMed Central
The effects of secular rituals on social bonding and affect - PLOS
27 Jan 2021 — However, whether the social bonding effect reported from religious rituals is also seen in secular rituals that mimic t...
AI responses may include mistakes.

Last edited by igorzwx (2025-06-02 21:27:18)

greenjeans · 2025-06-02 14:22:22

@greenjeans
It not difficult to unpack a Debian package, edit "control" with a text editor (nano, pluma, or mousepad, or else), and pack it again.

That's not the method i'm talking about either.

But thanks for the wall of off-topic text, I may try to read it after I get a few more cups of coffee in me.

igorzwx · 2025-06-02 21:29:14

@greenjeans

Coffee may not help, if you are not initiated into the secret knowledge.
You may better google "Anthropology of GNU/Linux".

Do you know another method to calculate dependencies (>=) of Debian packages?
It might be very useful for verification.

Last edited by igorzwx (2025-06-02 21:30:22)

greenjeans · 2025-06-05 22:58:57

Calculate them, no. Relieve a package of ones that definitely aren't needed, yes.

I really enjoy and appreciate your very detailed threads, I have learned some things reading them. But the walls of text and "secret ritual" and AI stuff is kinda off-putting.

To be honest, I think you tend to over-think things. And when you launch into the secret ritual stuff and such, I think about a scene in the movie "Van Helsing" with Hugh Jackman:

Dracula: "IGOR, why do you torment that poor creature so?"

Igor: " It's what I do".

igorzwx · 2025-06-08 12:53:13

Have you noticed that the Devuan wiki is almost empty?
It means that all knowledge might be forgotten because of dementia.

Since you are the only person who really knows how to write technical documentation, you may try to fill the Devuan wiki with exact technical knowledge. Perhaps, you should try, if you are a socially responsible Linux user.

Social responsibility is an ethical concept in which a person works and cooperates with other people and organizations for the benefit of the community.
_https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_responsibility

⟡ AI Overview
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greenjeans · 2025-06-08 13:42:48

Who are you talking to now? Igor are you off your meds again?

igorzwx · 2025-06-08 14:02:40

To a socially responsible expert on Linux documentation, that is, to you.

greenjeans · 2025-06-08 15:21:26

Well that's very kind of you to say (unless it's sarcasm of course which I expect it is, lol), but i'm no expert at documentation or linux, i'm a student like most here.

I do try to do my part as best I can though.

Your threads are great for the most part, I have learned from them. But it's when you stray off into philosophical territory in tech forums that just seems a little weird, and very off-topic. We do have an off-topic section of the forum where that sort of commentary might be more apropos.

igorzwx · 2025-06-08 15:44:13

"...but i'm no expert at documentation or linux".

You can simply imagine that you are. It will work.
If you are a student, this is the best way to learn Linux.

golinux · 2025-06-08 15:49:27

A very personal opinion . . . A wiki is useless without a viable distro. We need boots on the ground to deal with the cluster**** that Debian keeps throwing at us not a fugly, head-tripping wiki. I took care of the first wiki attempt so have some experience. A wiki is close to outdated by the time it is finally written so pretty much a waste of resources. The wiki information is also based on information that is available elsewhere so seems like a duplication of effort for no real gain as it will be outdated before the ink dries. And AI has absolutely nothing to do with Devuan and would be totally OT on a Devuan wiki even though it is tolerated on the forum in moderation.

chris2be8 · 2025-06-08 16:10:17

I am starting to suspect igorzwx is a bot posting AI generated posts. Several of his posts look like an AI system hallucinating a mixture of unrelated text, with similar words but unrelated meaning.

golinux · 2025-06-08 16:14:29

Yeah . . . that last entry was an epic fail. The relentlessness of his/its posts is very borderline human behavior.

igorzwx · 2025-06-08 16:40:57

It is very human to do nothing, but a sort of wiki might be needed.

greenjeans · 2025-06-08 16:59:15

No, he's not a bot, he's been around a long time, well before AI. And can be very helpful. But it would just be better for all concerned if he stuck to tech in a tech forum.

Afraid i'm guilty myself at times. Including now I reckon. Pretty sure this thread has run it's course and might be better off closed now IMO.

golinux · 2025-06-08 17:20:03

@greenjeans . . . Your wish has been granted.

The officially official Devuan Forum!

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How to change dependencies of a Debian package

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Re: How to change dependencies of a Debian package

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Re: How to change dependencies of a Debian package

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