Using alien to convert between DEB and RPM formats

Title: How to Convert Between DEB and RPM Packages Using Alien

Switching between different Linux distributions can sometimes be like moving between two different worlds, especially when you come across the package format impasse. Debian-based systems use .deb files, and Red Hat-based systems use .rpm files. This can pose a problem when you want to install a software that is only available in a format not native to your distribution. Thankfully, a handy tool named alien can help bridge this gap. In this blog post, we'll explore how to use alien to convert packages between DEB and RPM formats and provide operating instructions for using the converted packages with different package managers like apt, dnf, and zypper.

What is Alien?

Alien is a program that converts between different Linux package formats, including RPM, DEB, Stampede .slp, and Slackware .tgz files. While it allows for some cross-distribution flexibility, it’s important to note that conversion doesn't guarantee flawless functionality due to potential script and dependency differences. However, it's a powerful tool when no native package is available.

Installing Alien

Before you start converting files, you need to install alien on your system. Depending on your distribution, you can use one of the following commands:

Debian/Ubuntu:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install alien

Fedora:
```
sudo dnf install alien
```
openSUSE:
```
sudo zypper install alien
```

Converting DEB to RPM

To convert a DEB package to RPM format, use the following basic command structure:

sudo alien -r package_name.deb

This command will create an .rpm file in your current directory. For example, if you have a package named example.deb, you can convert it by running:

sudo alien -r example.deb

Converting RPM to DEB

If you need to convert an RPM package to a DEB package, alien can also do that:

sudo alien -d package_name.rpm

Like before, this command will create a .deb file in your current directory.

Installing Converted Packages

Once you have your converted package, you can install it using the package manager native to your distribution.

Using apt (Debian/Ubuntu):
```
sudo apt install ./package_name.deb
```
Using dnf (Fedora):
```
sudo dnf install ./package_name.rpm
```
Using zypper (openSUSE):
```
sudo zypper install ./package_name.rpm
```

Tips and Considerations

Dependency Management: Converting packages might not resolve all dependency issues. Always check for and install any dependencies manually if required.
Script Execution: Sometimes, scripts within the packages might not convert perfectly. Be cautious and inspect scripts if the package doesn't behave as expected.
Version Control: Keep an eye on the package versions. Alien increments the version number slightly during conversion, which might affect version-dependent dependencies.
Backup: Always back up your data before installing any new or converted software packages to prevent data loss in case of any installation issues.

Conclusion

While alien is quite a powerful tool for converting packages between popular Linux distributions, it's not a perfect solution for managing software across different systems. The preferable approach is always to find and use the native version of a software package for your distribution. However, in scenarios where this isn't possible, alien provides a viable alternative to get the software running on your system.

By understanding how to convert packages and manage them appropriately, you can enjoy a broader range of software, no matter what Linux distribution you choose. Remember, the Linux community is vast and helpful, so seek out advice and suggestions through forums and other resources if you encounter problems.