DPKG-DIVERT(8) dpkg utilities DPKG-DIVERT(8)NAMEdpkg-divert-- override a package's version of a file
SYNOPSISdpkg-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 pack‐
age'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 diver‐
sions. It functions in three basic modes - adding, removing, and list‐
ing diversions. The options are --add, --remove, and --list, respec‐
tively. 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:
/sw/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 demon‐
strate.
--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.
Care should be taken when diverting shared libraries, ldconfig (8) cre‐
ates a symbolic link based on the DT_SONAME field embedded in the
library. Because ldconfig doesn't honour diverts (only dpkg does), if
a diverted ibrary has the same SONAME as the undiverted one the symlink
may end up pointing at the diverted library.
FILES
/sw/var/lib/dpkg/diversions
File which contains the current list of diversions of the sys‐
tem. It is located in the dpkg administration directory, along
with other files important to dpkg, such as `status' or `avail‐
able'.
Note: dpkg-divert preserves the old copy of this file, with
extension "-old", before replacing it with the new one.
SEE ALSOdpkg(8).
Please read the Debian Packaging Manual, section 11., "Diversions -
overriding a package's version of a file" for more information.
AUTHOR
Copyright (C) 1995 Ian Jackson. Paths modified by Carsten Klapp to
reflect fink distribution, December 2002.
This is free software; see the GNU General Public Licence version 2 or
later for copying conditions. There is NO warranty.
Debian Project December 1999 DPKG-DIVERT(8)
