DPKG-DIVERT

Section: dpkg utilities (8)
Updated: December 1999
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NAME

dpkg-divert -- override a package's version of a file

SYNOPSIS

dpkg-divert [options] [--add] <file>
dpkg-divert [options] --remove <file>
dpkg-divert [options] --list <glob-pattern> dpkg-divert [options] --truename <file>

DESCRIPTION

File `diversions' are a way of forcing dpkg not to install a file into its location, but to a `diverted' location. Diversions can be used through the Debian package scripts to move a file away when it causes a conflict. System administrators can also use it to override some package's configuration file, or whenever some files (which aren't marked as 'conffiles') need to be preserved by dpkg, when installing a newer version of a package which contains those files.

dpkg-divert is the utility used to set up and update the list of diversions. It functions in three basic modes - adding, removing, and listing diversions. The options are --add, --remove, and --list, respectively. Additionally, it can print out the real name for a diverted file. Other options (listed below) may also be specified.

OPTIONS

--admindir <directory>: Set the dpkg data directory to <directory> (default: /var/lib/dpkg).
--divert <divert-to>: <divert-to> is the name used by other packages' versions.
--help: Output the version and the short usage instructions, and exit successfully.
--local: Specifies that all packages' versions are diverted.
--package <package>: <package> is the name of a package whose copy of <file> will not be diverted.
--quiet: Quiet mode, i.e. no verbose output.
--rename: Actually move the file aside (or back). dpkg-divert will abort operation in case the destination file already exists.
--test: Test mode, i.e. don't actually perform any changes, just demonstrate.
--version: Output program name and version and exit successfully.

NOTES

When adding, default is --local and --divert <original>.distrib. When removing, --package or --local and --divert must match if specified.
Directories can't be diverted with dpkg-divert.

FILES

/var/lib/dpkg/diversions: File which contains the current list of diversions of the system. It is located in the dpkg administration directory, along with other files important to dpkg, such as `status' or `available'.
Note: dpkg-divert preserves the old copy of this file, with extension "-old", before replacing it with the new one.

AUTHOR

This is free software; see the GNU General Public Licence version 2 or later for copying conditions. There is NO warranty.

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Time: 16:21:26 GMT, May 08, 2025