View source for Software:Debian

{{short description|Linux distribution based on free and open-source software}}
{{Infobox OS
| name = {{wikidata|label}}
| logo = [[File:Debian-OpenLogo.svg|100px]]
| logo_alt = The official logo (also known as open use logo) contains the well-known Debian swirl and best represents the visual identity of the Debian Project
| screenshot = Screenshot of Debian 12 (Bookworm) GNOME 43.9—English.png
| screenshot_alt = Screenshot of Debian 12 (Bookworm) with the [[Software:GNOME|GNOME]] desktop environment version 43.9
| caption = Debian 12 (Bookworm) running its default [[Software:Desktop environment|desktop environment]], [[Software:GNOME|GNOME]] Version 43.9
| developer = {{wikidata|property|linked|reference|P178}}
| family = [[Software:Linux|Linux]] ([[Unix-like]])
| working_state = Current
| source_model = [[Open-source software|Open source]]
| released = {{Start date and age|1993|09|15}}
| latest release version = {{wikidata|property|preferred|references|edit|Q7715973|P348|P548=Q2804309}} ({{wikidata|qualifier|preferred|single|Q7715973|P348|P548=Q2804309|P1476}})
| latest release date = {{release date and age|{{wikidata|qualifier|preferred|single|Q7715973|P348|P577}}}}
| latest preview version = {{#if: {{wikidata|property|preferred|Q7715973|P348|P548=Q1072356}}
  | {{wikidata|property|preferred|references|edit|Q7715973|P348|P548=Q1072356}} ({{wikidata|qualifier|preferred|single|Q7715973|P348|P548=Q1072356|P1476}})
}}
| latest preview date = {{wikidata|qualifier|preferred|single|Q7715973|P348|P548=Q1072356|P577}}
| repo = deb.debian.org
| language = 78 languages
| updatemodel = [[Long-term support]] in Stable edition, [[Rolling release|rolling release]] in Testing and Unstable (Sid) editions
| package_manager = {{wikidata|property|reference|P3033}}
| supported_platforms = [[X86-64|x86-64]], arm64, [https://wiki.debian.org/ArmEabiPort armel], armhf, [[Engineering:I386|i386]], [[MIPS architecture|mips]], mipsel, [[MIPS architecture|mips64el]], ppc64el, s390x,<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.debian.org/ports/ |title = Debian -- Ports |access-date = May 26, 2014 |archive-date = November 22, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161122100500/http://www.debian.org/ports/ |url-status = live }}</ref> [[Engineering:RISC-V|riscv64]] (in progress)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://wiki.debian.org/RISC-V | title=RISC-V - Debian Wiki | access-date=2018-01-24 | archive-date=March 20, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320153651/https://wiki.debian.org/RISC-V | url-status=live }}</ref>
| kernel_type = [[Monolithic kernel|Monolithic]] ([[Software:Linux kernel|Linux kernel]])
| userland = [[Software:GNU Core Utilities|GNU]]
| ui = * [[Software:GNOME|GNOME]] on DVD
* [[Software:Xfce|Xfce]] on CD and non-Linux ports
* [[Software:KDE Plasma 5|KDE Plasma]], [[Software:Cinnamon (desktop environment)|Cinnamon]], [[Software:MATE|MATE]], [[Software:LXQt|LXQt]], [[Software:LXDE|LXDE]] available on Debian's website
| license = [[Debian Free Software Guidelines|DFSG]]-compatible licenses, plus proprietary firmware files
| website = {{Official URL}}
}}

'''Debian''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|d|ɛ|b|i|ə|n}}),<ref name="debfaq-def">{{cite web |url = https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/debian-faq/ch-basic_defs.en.html#s-pronunciation |work = The Debian GNU/Linux FAQ -- Chapter 1 – Definitions and overview |title = How does one pronounce Debian and what does this word mean? |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2019-03-18 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190402174759/https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/debian-faq/ch-basic_defs.en.html#s-pronunciation |archive-date = April 2, 2019 |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref name="debianorg-about">{{cite web |title = Debian -- About |url = https://www.debian.org/intro/about |website = Debian |access-date = 12 June 2017 |archive-date = January 17, 1999 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/19990117033720/https://www.debian.org/intro/about |url-status = live }}</ref> also known as '''Debian GNU/Linux''', is a [[Software:Linux distribution|Linux distribution]] composed of [[Free and open-source software|free and open-source software]] and [[Proprietary software|proprietary software]]<ref name="Explaining Why We Don't Endorse Other Systems"/><ref  name="General Resolution: non-free firmware: results" /> developed by the community-supported Debian Project, which was established by Ian Murdock on August 16, 1993. The first version of Debian (0.01) was released on September 15, 1993,<ref name="ChangeLog">{{cite web |url = http://www.ibiblio.org/pub/historic-linux/distributions/debian-0.91/ChangeLog |title = ChangeLog |publisher = [[Ibiblio|ibiblio]] |access-date = 2016-08-18 |archive-date = January 6, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170106042725/http://www.ibiblio.org/pub/historic-linux/distributions/debian-0.91/ChangeLog |url-status = live }}</ref> and its first stable version (1.1) was released on June 17, 1996.<ref>{{cite web |title = Chapter 3 – Debian Releases |url = https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/project-history/ch-releases.en.html |website = A Brief History of Debian |publisher = Debian Documentation Team |access-date = 10 February 2016 |archive-date = August 17, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110817004510/http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/project-history/ch-releases.en.html |url-status = live }}</ref> The Debian Stable branch is the most popular edition for [[Engineering:Personal computer|personal computer]]s and [[Server (computing)|servers]].
Debian is also the basis for [[Software:List of Linux distributions#Debian-based|many other distributions]] that have different purposes, like [[Software:Proxmox Virtual Environment|Proxmox]] for servers, [[Software:Ubuntu|Ubuntu]] or [[Software:Linux Mint|Linux Mint]] for desktops, Kali for penetration testing or [[Software:Pardus (operating system)|Pardus]] and [[Software:Astra Linux|Astra]] for government use.

Debian is one of the oldest operating systems based on the [[Software:Linux kernel|Linux kernel]] and, as of September 2023, the second oldest Linux distribution still in active development, only behind [[Software:Slackware|Slackware]]. The project is coordinated over the [[Internet]] by a team of volunteers guided by the Debian Project Leader and three foundational documents: the Debian Social Contract, the Debian Constitution, and the [[Debian Free Software Guidelines]]. New distributions are updated continually, and the next candidate is released after a time-based [[Software:Freeze (software engineering)|freeze]].

Since its founding until 2022,<ref name="Explaining Why We Don't Endorse Other Systems">{{cite web | url = https://www.gnu.org/distros/common-distros.html | title = Explaining Why We Don't Endorse Other Systems | archive-date = November 2, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231102171742/https://www.gnu.org/distros/common-distros.html}}</ref><ref name="General Resolution: non-free firmware: results">{{cite web | url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2022/10/msg00001.html | title = General Resolution: non-free firmware: results | access-date = 2023-11-02 | archive-date = November 2, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231102171923/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2022/10/msg00001.html}}</ref>{{synthesis inline|reason=the FSF page on why they don't endorse Debian, as well as Debian distributing proprietary firmware, long predate 2022|sure=yes|date=January 2024}} Debian has been developed openly and distributed freely according to some of the principles of the [[GNU Project]]. Because of this, the [[Organization:Free Software Foundation|Free Software Foundation]] sponsored the project from November 1994 to November 1995.<ref name="A Brief History of Debian">{{cite web | url = https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/project-history/project-history.en.txt | title = A Brief History of Debian | archive-date = November 3, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231103150337/https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/project-history/project-history.en.txt}}</ref>{{Citation needed|reason=Primary or/and Secondary source needed for sponsorship.|date=November 2023}} On June 16, 1997, the Debian Project founded the [[Engineering:Nonprofit organization|nonprofit organization]] [[Organization:Software in the Public Interest|Software in the Public Interest]] to continue financially supporting development.

== History ==
=== Debian version history ===
{{Main|Software:Debian version history}}

Debian distribution codenames are based on the names of characters from the ''Toy Story'' films. Debian's ''unstable'' trunk is named after Sid, a character who regularly destroyed his toys.<ref>{{cite web|title=Debian Releases - Codenames|url=https://wiki.debian.org/DebianReleases#Codenames|website=Debian Wiki|access-date=25 July 2017|archive-date=September 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930033254/https://wiki.debian.org/DebianReleases#Codenames|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Founding (1993–1998) ===
First announced on August 16, 1993, Debian was founded by Ian Murdock, who initially called the system "the Debian Linux Release".<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/project-history/intro.en.html | work = A Brief History of Debian |title = Chapter 1 – Introduction – What is the Debian Project? |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-05-04 |access-date = 2014-06-22 |archive-date = December 22, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151222010809/https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/project-history/ch-intro.en.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite newsgroup |title = New release under development; suggestions requested |url = https://groups.google.com/forum/#!original/comp.os.linux.development/Md3Modzg5TU/xty88y5OLaMJ |message-id = CBusDD.MIK@unix.portal.com |last = Murdock |first = Ian A. |date = 1993-08-16 |newsgroup = comp.os.linux.development |access-date = 2012-06-13 |archive-date = January 22, 2011 |archive-url = http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20110122130054/https://groups.google.com/forum/#!original/comp.os.linux.development/Md3Modzg5TU/xty88y5OLaMJ |url-status = live }}</ref> The word "Debian" was formed as a portmanteau of the first name of his then-girlfriend (later ex-wife) Debra Lynn and his own first name.<ref>{{cite book |last = Nixon |first = Robin |title = Ubuntu: Up and Running |page = 3 |publisher = O'Reilly Media |year = 2010 |isbn = 978-0-596-80484-8 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=badSTnfeOoAC |access-date = 2014-06-22 |archive-date = July 31, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200731133410/https://books.google.com/books?id=badSTnfeOoAC |url-status = live }}</ref> Before Debian's release, the [[Software:Softlanding Linux System|Softlanding Linux System]] (SLS) had been a popular Linux distribution and the basis for [[Software:Slackware|Slackware]].<ref name="grassroots">{{cite web |title = Debian and the grass roots of Linux |url = http://www.itpro.co.uk/135084/debian-and-the-grass-roots-of-linux |last = Hillesley |first = Richard |publisher = IT Pro |date = 2007-11-02 |access-date = 2014-05-25 |archive-date = May 26, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140526030921/http://www.itpro.co.uk/135084/debian-and-the-grass-roots-of-linux |url-status = live }}</ref> The perceived poor maintenance and prevalence of [[Software bug|bugs]] in SLS motivated Murdock to launch a new distribution.<ref name="Scheetz 1998">{{cite book | last=Scheetz | first=Dale | title=The Debian Linux user's guide | publisher=Linux Press | location=Penngrove, Calif | year=1998 | isbn=0-9659575-1-9 | oclc=42689229 }}</ref>

Debian 0.01, released on September 15, 1993, was the first of several internal releases.<ref name="ChangeLog" /> Version 0.90 was the first public release,<ref name="ChangeLog" /> providing support through mailing lists hosted at Pixar.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.ibiblio.org/pub/historic-linux/distributions/debian-0.91/debian-0.91/RELEASE-0.91 |title = Release-0.91 |publisher = [[Ibiblio|ibiblio]] |date = 1994-01-31 |access-date = 2014-07-03 |archive-date = September 24, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150924133319/http://www.ibiblio.org/pub/historic-linux/distributions/debian-0.91/debian-0.91/RELEASE-0.91 |url-status = live }}</ref> The release included the Debian Linux Manifesto, outlining Murdock's view for the new [[Operating system|operating system]]. In it he called for the creation of a distribution to be maintained "openly in the spirit of Linux and GNU."<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.ibiblio.org/pub/historic-linux/distributions/debian-0.91/info/Manifesto |title = The Debian Linux Manifesto |last = Murdock |first = Ian A. |publisher = [[Ibiblio|ibiblio]] |date = 1994-01-06 |access-date = 2014-07-17 |archive-date = September 24, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150924133321/http://www.ibiblio.org/pub/historic-linux/distributions/debian-0.91/info/Manifesto |url-status = live }}</ref>

The Debian project released the 0.9x versions in 1994 and 1995.<ref name="releases">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/project-history/ch-releases.en.html |work = A Brief History of Debian |title = Chapter 3 – Debian Releases |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-05-04 |access-date = 2014-06-22 |archive-date = August 17, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110817004510/http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/project-history/ch-releases.en.html |url-status = live }}</ref> During this time it was sponsored by the [[Organization:Free Software Foundation|Free Software Foundation]] for one year.<ref>{{cite newsgroup |url = https://groups.google.com/forum/#!original/comp.os.linux.misc/A30TG4KRx4Y/WKi_Yx0iuTAJ |title = The FSF is no longer sponsoring Debian |message-id = gnusenet199604280427.AAA00388@delasyd.gnu.ai.mit.edu |last = Stallman |first = Richard |newsgroup = comp.os.linux.misc |date = 1996-04-28 |access-date = 2014-08-22 |archive-date = January 22, 2011 |archive-url = http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20110122130054/https://groups.google.com/forum/#!original/comp.os.linux.misc/A30TG4KRx4Y/WKi_Yx0iuTAJ |url-status = live }}</ref> Ian Murdock delegated the base system, the core packages of Debian, to Bruce Perens and Murdock focused on the management of the growing project.<ref name="Scheetz 1998" /> The first ports to non-[[IA-32]] architectures began in 1995, and Debian 1.1 was released in 1996.<ref name="history4">{{cite web |url = https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/project-history/ch-detailed.en.html |work = A Brief History of Debian |title = Chapter 4 – A Detailed History |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-05-04 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191221235707/https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/project-history/ch-detailed.en.html |access-date = 2014-08-01 |archive-date = December 21, 2019 }}</ref> By that time and thanks to Ian Jackson, the dpkg package manager was already an essential part of Debian.{{sfn |Krafft |2005 |pp=31–32}}

In 1996, Bruce Perens assumed the project leadership. Perens was a controversial leader, regarded as authoritarian and strongly attached to Debian.{{sfn |Hertzog |2013 |p=9}} He drafted a [[Social:Social contract|social contract]] and edited suggestions from a month-long discussion into the Debian Social Contract and the Debian Free Software Guidelines.<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-announce/1997/msg00017.html |title = Debian's 'Social Contract' with the Free Software Community |last = Perens |first = Bruce |mailing-list = debian-announce |publisher = Debian |date = 1997-07-05 |access-date = 2014-08-01 |archive-date = June 10, 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060610070939/http://lists.debian.org/debian-announce/debian-announce-1997/msg00017.html |url-status = live }}</ref> After the FSF withdrew their sponsorship in the midst of the [[Free and open-source software|free software vs. open source debate]],<ref>{{cite web |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/1999/02/msg01641.html |title = It's Time to Talk About Free Software Again |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140716055445/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/1999/02/msg01641.html |archive-date = July 16, 2014 |df = mdy-all }}</ref> Perens initiated the creation of the legal [[Organization:Umbrella organization|umbrella organization]] [[Organization:Software in the Public Interest|Software in the Public Interest]] instead of seeking renewed involvement with the FSF.<ref name="history4" /> He led the conversion of the project from [[A.out|a.out]] to [[Executable and Linkable Format|ELF]].<ref name="Scheetz 1998" /> He created the [[Software:BusyBox|BusyBox]] program to make it possible to run a Debian installer on a single [[Floppy disk|floppy disk]], and wrote a new installer.<ref>{{cite magazine |url = http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/4335 |title = Building Tiny Linux Systems with Busybox–Part I |last = Perens |first = Bruce |author-link = Bruce Perens |magazine = Linux Journal |date = 2000-11-01 |access-date = 2014-06-05 |archive-date = June 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140606231721/http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/4335 |url-status = live }}</ref> By the time Debian 1.2 was released, the project had grown to nearly two hundred volunteers.<ref name="Scheetz 1998" /> Perens left the project in 1998.<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-user/1998/03/msg01628.html |title = I am leaving Debian |last = Perens |first = Bruce |author-link = Bruce Perens |publisher = Debian |mailing-list = debian-user |date = 1998-03-18 |access-date = 2014-06-05 |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706171832/https://lists.debian.org/debian-user/1998/03/msg01628.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

Ian Jackson became the leader in 1998.<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-announce/1997/msg00037.html |title = Ian Jackson is the next Debian Project Leader |last = Perens |first = Bruce |mailing-list = debian-announce |publisher = Debian |date = 1997-12-01 |access-date = 2014-08-02 |archive-date = September 9, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150909035450/https://lists.debian.org/debian-announce/1997/msg00037.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Debian 2.0 introduced the second official port, m68k.<ref name="releases" /> During this time the first port to a non-Linux kernel, Debian GNU/Hurd, was started.<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-hurd/1998/07/msg00000.html |title = debian-hurd@lists.debian.org is up! |last = Grobman |first = Igor |mailing-list = debian-hurd |publisher = Debian |date = 1998-07-14 |access-date = 2014-08-02 |archive-date = October 18, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181018224515/https://lists.debian.org/debian-hurd/1998/07/msg00000.html |url-status = live }}</ref> On December 2, the first Debian Constitution was ratified.<ref name="constitution" />

=== Leader election (1999–2005) ===
From 1999, the project leader was elected yearly.<ref name="vote-info" /> The [[Software:APT|Advanced Packaging Tool]] was deployed with Debian 2.1.<ref name="releases" /> The number of applicants was overwhelming and the project established the new member process.{{sfn |Coleman |2013 |p=141}}<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-project/1999/10/msg00003.html |title = New maintainer proposal |last = Akkerman |first = Wichert |mailing-list = debian-project |publisher = Debian |date = 1999-10-17 |access-date = 2014-08-02 |archive-date = August 8, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140808050930/https://lists.debian.org/debian-project/1999/10/msg00003.html |url-status = live }}</ref> The first Debian derivatives, namely [[Software:Libranet|Libranet]],<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-commercial/1999/msg00006.html |title = New Linux distribution brings Debian to the desktop. |last = Lohner |first = Nils |mailing-list = debian-commercial |publisher = Debian |date = 1999-11-09 |access-date = 2014-08-02 |archive-date = September 9, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150909090826/https://lists.debian.org/debian-commercial/1999/msg00006.html |url-status = live }}</ref> [[Software:Corel Linux|Corel Linux]] and [[Company:Stormix|Stormix]]'s Storm Linux, were started in 1999.<ref name="history4" /> The 2.2 release in 2000 was dedicated to Joel Klecker, a developer who died of [[Medicine:Duchenne muscular dystrophy|Duchenne muscular dystrophy]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/2000/20000815 |title = Debian GNU/Linux 2.2, the 'Joel "Espy" Klecker' release, is officially released |publisher = Debian |date = 2000-08-15 |access-date = 2011-07-27 |archive-date = June 29, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110629101301/http://www.debian.org/News/2000/20000815 |url-status = live }}</ref>

In late 2000, the project reorganized the archive with new package "pools" and created the ''Testing'' distribution, made up of packages considered stable, to reduce the freeze for the next release.<ref name="history4" /> In the same year, developers began holding an annual conference called DebConf with talks and workshops for developers and technical users.<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2000/05/msg00006.html |title = First Debian Conference : the program |last = Laronde |first = Thierry |mailing-list = debian-devel-announce |publisher = Debian |date = 2000-05-15 |access-date = 2014-08-02 |archive-date = December 25, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131225144425/http://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2000/05/msg00006.html |url-status = live }}</ref> In May 2001, [[Company:Hewlett-Packard|Hewlett-Packard]] announced plans to base its Linux development on Debian.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://news.cnet.com/HP-settles-on-Debian-Linux/2100-1001_3-257405.html |title = HP settles on Debian Linux |last = Lemos |first = Robert |website = CNET News |date = 2001-05-10 |access-date = 2014-08-19 |archive-date = August 19, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140819204105/http://news.cnet.com/HP-settles-on-Debian-Linux/2100-1001_3-257405.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

In July 2002, the project released version 3.0, code-named Woody, the first release to include cryptographic software, a free licensed KDE and [[Internationalization and localization|internationalization]].{{sfn |Krafft |2005 |p=33}} During these last release cycles, the Debian project drew considerable criticism from the free software community because of the long time between stable releases.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.theregister.co.uk/2002/07/23/debian_gnu_linux/ |title = Debian GNU/Linux 3.0 released |last = Lettice |first = John |website = The Register |date = 2002-07-23 |access-date = 2014-08-19 |archive-date = July 3, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170703122451/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2002/07/23/debian_gnu_linux/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.zdnet.com/debian-leaders-faster-release-cycle-required-1139185097/ |title = Debian leaders: Faster release cycle required |last = LeMay |first = Renai |work = [[ZDNet]] |date = 2005-03-18 |access-date = 2014-08-03 |archive-date = August 8, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140808053504/http://www.zdnet.com/debian-leaders-faster-release-cycle-required-1139185097/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://ianmurdock.com/debian/ubuntu-vs-debian-reprise/ |title = Ubuntu vs. Debian, reprise |publisher = Ian Murdock |date = 2005-04-20 |access-date = 2014-06-05 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140819164015/http://ianmurdock.com/debian/ubuntu-vs-debian-reprise/ |archive-date = August 19, 2014 |df = mdy-all }}</ref>

Some events disturbed the project while working on Sarge, as Debian servers were attacked by fire and hackers.<ref name="history4" /><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/12/02/hackers_used_unpatched_server/ |title = Hackers used unpatched server to breach Debian |last = Orlowski |first = Andrew |website = The Register |date = 2003-12-02 |access-date = 2014-08-03 |archive-date = July 3, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170703125104/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/12/02/hackers_used_unpatched_server/ |url-status = live }}</ref> One of the most memorable was the Vancouver prospectus.{{sfn |Coleman |2013 |pp=150–156}}<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/03/14/debian_reduced/ |title = Debian drops mainframe, Sparc development |last = Orlowski |first = Andrew |author-link = Andrew Orlowski |website = The Register |date = 2005-03-14 |access-date = 2014-08-03 |archive-date = July 3, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170703150116/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/03/14/debian_reduced/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2005/08/msg00009.html |title = Results of the meeting in Helsinki about the Vancouver proposal |last = Verhelst |first = Wouter |mailing-list = debian-devel-announce |publisher = Debian |date = 2005-08-21 |access-date = 2014-08-03 |archive-date = August 8, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140808051225/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2005/08/msg00009.html |url-status = live }}</ref> After a meeting held in {{wipe|Vancouver}}, release manager Steve Langasek announced a plan to reduce the number of supported ports to four in order to shorten future release cycles.<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2005/03/msg00012.html |title = Bits (Nybbles?) from the Vancouver release team meeting |last = Langasek |first = Steve |mailing-list = debian-devel-announce |publisher = Debian |date = 2005-03-14 |access-date = 2014-08-03 |archive-date = August 8, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140808051223/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2005/03/msg00012.html |url-status = live }}</ref> There was a large reaction because the proposal looked more like a decision and because such a drop would damage Debian's aim to be "the universal operating system".{{sfn |Coleman |2013 |pp=153–154}}<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2005/03/msg00712.html |title = Re: Bits (Nybbles?) from the Vancouver release team meeting |last = Jarno |first = Aurélien |mailing-list = debian-devel |publisher = Debian |date = 2005-03-14 |access-date = 2014-08-03 |archive-date = August 8, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140808051316/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2005/03/msg00712.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2005/03/msg00761.html |title = Re: Bits (Nybbles?) from the Vancouver release team meeting |last = Blache |first = Julien |mailing-list = debian-devel |publisher = Debian |date = 2005-03-14 |access-date = 2014-08-03 |archive-date = August 8, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140808051319/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2005/03/msg00761.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

The first version of the Debian-based [[Software:Ubuntu|Ubuntu]], named "4.10 Warty Warthog", was released on October 20, 2004.<ref name="wartyRelease">{{Cite mailing list |url=https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/ubuntu-announce/2004-October/000003.html |title=Ubuntu 4.10 announcement |date=20 October 2004 |access-date=19 August 2008 |mailing-list=ubuntu-announce |last=Shuttleworth |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Shuttleworth}}</ref> Because it was distributed as a free download, it became one of the most popular and successful operating systems with more than "40 million users" according to [[Company:Canonical|Canonical Ltd.]]<ref name="Michael Kerner">{{cite web |url=http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/reports/7032/1/ |title=Ubuntu Claims 12 Million Users as Lucid Linux Desktop Nears |first=Sean Michael |last=Kerner |date=7 April 2010 |work=LinuxPlanet.com |access-date=7 April 2010 |archive-date=10 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410164921/http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/reports/7032/1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://insights.ubuntu.com/about/ |title=About Ubuntu Insights |work=Insights.Ubuntu.com |publisher=Canonical Ltd |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906185403/http://insights.ubuntu.com/about/ |archive-date=6 September 2015 }}</ref> However, Murdock was critical of the differences between Ubuntu packages and Debian, stating that it leads to incompatibilities.<ref name="forking">{{cite web |first=Ian |last=Murdock |url=http://ianmurdock.com/debian/ubuntu-vs-debian-reprise/ |title=Ubuntu vs. Debian, reprise |date=20 April 2005 |access-date=21 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819164015/http://ianmurdock.com/debian/ubuntu-vs-debian-reprise/ |archive-date=19 August 2014 }}</ref>

===Sarge and later releases (2005–present)===
[[File:Debian Etch-ja.png|thumb|250px|Debian 4 (Etch), 2007]]
The 3.1 Sarge release was made in June 2005. This release updated 73% of the software and included over 9,000 new packages. A new installer with a modular design, [[Software:Debian-Installer|Debian-Installer]], allowed installations with RAID, [[XFS]] and [[Software:Logical Volume Manager (Linux)|LVM]] support, improved hardware detection, made installations easier for novice users, and was translated into almost forty languages. An installation manual and release notes were in ten and fifteen languages respectively. The efforts of Skolelinux, [[Debian-Med]] and Debian-Accessibility raised the number of packages that were educational, had a medical affiliation, and ones made for people with disabilities.<ref name="history4" /><ref name=sargenew>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/sarge/i386/release-notes/ch-whats-new.en.html |work = Release Notes for Debian GNU/Linux 3.1 (`sarge'), Intel x86 |title = Chapter 2 – What's new in Debian GNU/Linux 3.1 |publisher = Debian |date = 2006-09-18 |access-date = 2010-08-05 |archive-date = May 19, 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100519033125/http://www.debian.org//releases/sarge/i386/release-notes/ch-whats-new.en.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

[[File:Iceweasel icon.svg|thumb|64px|left|[[Software:Iceweasel|Iceweasel]] logo]]
In 2006, as a result of a much-publicized dispute, [[Software:Mozilla software rebranded by Debian|Mozilla software was rebranded in Debian]], with [[Software:Firefox|Firefox]] forked as Iceweasel and [[Software:Mozilla Thunderbird|Thunderbird]] as Icedove. The Mozilla Corporation stated that software with unapproved modifications could not be distributed under the Firefox trademark. Two reasons that Debian modified the Firefox software were to change non-free artwork and to provide security patches.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://archive09.linux.com/feature/57675 |publisher = Linux.com |title = Behind the Debian and Mozilla dispute over use of Firefox |date = 2006-10-10 |first = Lisa |last = Hoover |access-date = 2009-02-09 |archive-date = June 6, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120606110117/http://archive09.linux.com/feature/57675 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2006/10/msg00665.html |title = Re: Will IceWeasel be based on a fork or on vanilla FireFox? |last = Sanchez |first = Roberto C. |mailing-list = debian-devel |publisher = Debian |date = 2006-10-15 |access-date = 2014-08-03 |archive-date = August 8, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140808051725/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2006/10/msg00665.html |url-status = live }}</ref> In February 2016, it was announced that Mozilla and Debian had reached an agreement and Iceweasel would revert to the name Firefox; similar agreement was anticipated for Icedove/Thunderbird.<ref>{{cite magazine |url = http://www.pcworld.com/article/3036509/linux/iceweasel-will-be-renamed-firefox-as-relations-between-debian-and-mozilla-thaw.html |title = 'Iceweasel' will be renamed 'Firefox' as relations between Debian and Mozilla thaw |last = Hoffman |first = Chris |magazine = PC World |date = 2016-02-24 |access-date = 2016-03-27 |archive-date = March 29, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160329150932/http://www.pcworld.com/article/3036509/linux/iceweasel-will-be-renamed-firefox-as-relations-between-debian-and-mozilla-thaw.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

A fund-raising experiment, Dunc-Tank, was created to solve the release cycle problem and release managers were paid to work full-time;<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.dunc-tank.org/press.html |title = Press Information |publisher = Dunc-Tank |date = 2006-09-19 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061010082200/http://www.dunc-tank.org/press.html |archive-date = 2006-10-10 |access-date = 2014-08-24 }}</ref> in response, unpaid developers slowed down their work and the release was delayed.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Linux-and-Open-Source/Disgruntled-Debian-Developers-Delay-Etch/ |title = Disgruntled Debian Developers Delay Etch |last = Vaughan-Nichols |first = Steven J. |publisher = eWeek |date = 2006-12-18 |access-date = 2014-08-24 }}</ref><br>
Debian 4.0 (Etch) was released in April 2007, featuring the x86-64 port and a graphical installer.<ref name="releases" /><br>
Debian 5.0 (Lenny) was released in February 2009, supporting Marvell's [[Engineering:Orion (system-on-a-chip)|Orion]] platform and netbooks such as the Asus Eee PC.<ref name="lenny released">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/2009/20090214.en.html |title = Debian GNU/Linux 5.0 released |access-date = 2009-02-15 |publisher = Debian |date = 2009-02-14 |archive-date = February 17, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090217184902/http://www.debian.org/News/2009/20090214.en.html |url-status = live }}</ref> The release was dedicated to Thiemo Seufer, a developer who died in a car crash.<ref name="thiemo">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/lenny/i386/release-notes/apc.en.html |work = Release Notes for Debian GNU/Linux 5.0 (lenny), Intel x86 |title = Appendix C. Lenny dedicated to Thiemo Seufer |access-date = 2014-05-25 |publisher = Debian |date = 2009-02-14 |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706171546/https://www.debian.org/releases/lenny/i386/release-notes/apc.en.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

[[File:Debian 6.0.2.1.png|thumb|250px|Debian 6 (Squeeze), 2011]]

In July 2009, the policy of time-based development freezes on a two-year cycle was announced. Time-based freezes are intended to blend the predictability of time based releases with Debian's policy of feature based releases, and to reduce overall freeze time.<ref name="two-year-cycle" /> The Squeeze cycle was going to be especially short; however, this initial schedule was abandoned.<ref name="two-year-cycle-2">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/2009/20090730 |title = Debian GNU/Linux 6.0 'Squeeze' release goals |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2009-12-01 |date = 2009-07-30 |archive-date = March 3, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110303024424/http://www.debian.org/News/2009/20090730 |url-status = live }}</ref> In September 2010, the [[Backporting|backports]] service became official, providing more recent versions of some software for the stable release.<ref name="news-backports-official" />

Debian 6.0 (Squeeze) was released in February 2011, featuring Debian GNU/kFreeBSD as a technology preview, along with adding a dependency-based boot system, and moving problematic firmware to the non-free section.<ref name="squeeze released" /><br>
Debian 7.0 (Wheezy) was released in May 2013, featuring multiarch support.<ref name="news-wheezy-released">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/2013/20130504 |title = Debian 7.0 'Wheezy' released |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-05-04 |access-date = 2013-05-05 |archive-date = December 22, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151222015735/http://www.debian.org/News/2013/20130504 |url-status = live }}</ref><br>
Debian 8.0 (Jessie) was released in April 2015, using [[Software:Systemd|systemd]] as the new init system.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/2015/20150426 |title = Debian 8 'Jessie' Released |date = 2015-04-25 |access-date = 2015-10-27 |publisher = Debian |archive-date = June 18, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170618152940/https://www.debian.org/News/2015/20150426 |url-status = live }}</ref><br>
Debian 9.0 (Stretch) was released in June 2017, with nftables as a replacement for iptables, support for Flatpak apps, and MariaDB as the replacement for MySQL.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.debian.org/News/2017/20170617|title = Debian 9.0 'Stretch' released|publisher = Debian|date = 2017-06-17|access-date = 2017-06-25|archive-date = June 18, 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170618145125/https://www.debian.org/News/2017/20170617|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=showheadline&story=3474|title=Debian 9's release date|website=DistroWatch|date=2017-05-26|access-date=July 11, 2018|archive-date=July 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711185352/https://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=showheadline&story=3474|url-status=live}}</ref><br>
Debian 10.0 (Buster) was released in July 2019, adding support for Secure Boot and enabling [[Software:AppArmor|AppArmor]] by default.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.debian.org/News/2019/20190706|title = Debian 10.0 'buster' released|publisher = Debian|date = 2019-07-06|access-date = 2019-07-30|archive-date = July 7, 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190707133037/https://www.debian.org/News/2019/20190706|url-status = live}}</ref><br>
Debian 11.0 (Bullseye) was released in August 2021, enabling persistency in the system journal, adding support for driverless scanning, and containing kernel-level support for [[ExFAT|exFAT]] filesystems.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.debian.org/News/2021/20210814|title = Debian 11 'bullseye' released|publisher = Debian|date = 2021-08-14|access-date = 2021-08-14|archive-date = 14 August 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210814215010/https://www.debian.org/News/2021/20210814|url-status = live}}</ref><br>
Debian 12.0 (Bookworm) was released on June 10, 2023, including various improvements and features, increasing the supported Linux Kernel to version 6.1, and leveraging new "Emerald" artwork.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.debian.org/News/2023/20230610|title = Debian 12 'bookworm' released|publisher = Debian|date = 2023-06-10|access-date = 2023-06-10}}</ref><br>
Debian is still in development and new packages are uploaded to ''unstable'' every day.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-changes/ |title = Unstable packages' upgrade announcements |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-11-19 |archive-date = June 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140606223947/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-changes/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

Debian used to be released as a very large set of CDs for each architecture, but with the release of Debian 9 (Stretch) in 2017, many of the images have been dropped from the archive but remain buildable via [[Software:Jigdo|jigdo]].<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2020-07-02|title=Chapter 2. What's new in Debian 9|url=https://www.debian.org/releases/stretch/amd64/release-notes/ch-whats-new.html#cd|website=www.debian.org|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308083937/https://www.debian.org/releases/stretch/amd64/release-notes/ch-whats-new.html#cd|url-status=live}}</ref>

Throughout Debian's lifetime, both the Debian distribution and its website have won various awards from different organizations,<ref>{{cite web |title = Awards |url = http://www.debian.org/misc/awards |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2008-11-02 |archive-date = November 20, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081120020604/http://www.debian.org/misc/awards |url-status = live }}</ref> including ''Server Distribution of the Year'' 2011,<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-news-59/2011-linuxquestions-org-members-choiceright-award-winners-928502/#post4598195 |title = 2011 LinuxQuestions.org Members Choice Award Winners |publisher = LinuxQuestions.org |date = 2012-02-09 |access-date = 2014-06-06 }}</ref> ''The best Linux distro of 2011'',<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.tuxradar.com/content/best-distro-2011 |title = The best Linux distro of 2011! |publisher = TuxRadar |date = 2011-08-04 |access-date = 2014-06-06 |archive-date = June 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140606232606/http://www.tuxradar.com/content/best-distro-2011 |url-status = live }}</ref> and a ''Best of the Net'' award for October 1998.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://linux.miningco.com/library/awards/bloct98.htm |title = Best of the Net Awards, October 1998 – Focus On Linux |publisher = The Mining Company |date = 1999-05-04 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/19990504092128/http://linux.miningco.com/library/awards/bloct98.htm |archive-date = 1999-05-04 |access-date = 2014-06-06 }}</ref>

On December 2, 2015, [[Company:Microsoft|Microsoft]] announced that they would offer Debian GNU/Linux as an endorsed distribution on the [[Software:Microsoft Azure|Azure]] cloud platform.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/debian-images-now-available-on-azure/ |title = Announcing availability of Debian GNU/Linux as an endorsed distribution in Azure Marketplace |last = Zarkos |first = Stephen |publisher = Microsoft Azure |date = 2015-12-02 |access-date = 2016-04-10 |archive-date = March 4, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304193636/https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/debian-images-now-available-on-azure/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.cio.com/article/3011419/operating-systems/microsoft-brings-debian-gnu-linux-to-azure-cloud.html |title = Microsoft brings Debian GNU/Linux to Azure cloud |last = Bhartiya |first = Swapnil |website = CIO |publisher = IDG Enterprise |date = 2015-12-02 |access-date = 2016-04-10 |archive-date = April 23, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160423122511/http://www.cio.com/article/3011419/operating-systems/microsoft-brings-debian-gnu-linux-to-azure-cloud.html |url-status = dead }}</ref> Microsoft has also added a user environment to their [[Software:Windows 10|Windows 10]] desktop operating system called [[Software:Windows Subsystem for Linux|Windows Subsystem for Linux]] that offers a Debian subset.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2020-07-02|title=How to Get Started With the Windows Subsystem for Linux|url=https://lifehacker.com/how-to-get-started-with-the-windows-subsystem-for-linux-1828952698 |first1=Brendan |last1=Hesse |website=Lifehacker|date=September 11, 2018 |archive-date=July 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702205842/https://lifehacker.com/how-to-get-started-with-the-windows-subsystem-for-linux-1828952698|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Features ==
[[File:Debian10-installation-menu.png|thumb|Debian 10 installation menu (BIOS Mode)]]
[[File:Debian10-text-installer.png|thumb|Text version of the Debian Installer ]]
[[File:Debian10-graphical-installer.png|thumb|Graphical version of the Debian Installer]]
[[File:Debian10-console-login.png|thumb|Debian 10 console login and welcome message]]

Debian has access to online [[Software repository|repositories]] that contain over 51,000 packages.<ref>{{cite web |title = 50.000 binary packages |first1=Ralf |last1=Treinen |date=8 Feb 2016 |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2016/02/msg00122.html |publisher = Debian |access-date = February 8, 2016 |archive-date = February 13, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160213234055/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2016/02/msg00122.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Debian officially contains only free software, but non-free software can be downloaded and installed from the Debian repositories.<ref name="packages">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/distrib/packages |title =  Packages |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-06-22 |archive-date = June 21, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140621193509/http://www.debian.org/distrib/packages |url-status = live }}</ref> Debian includes popular free programs such as [[Software:LibreOffice|LibreOffice]],<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/2011/20110623 |title = Debian Moves to LibreOffice |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2012-03-05 |archive-date = January 11, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120111222046/http://www.debian.org/News/2011/20110623 |url-status = live }}</ref> [[Software:Firefox|Firefox]] web browser, [[Software:GNOME Evolution|Evolution]] mail, [[Software:K3b|K3b]] disc burner, [[Software:VLC media player|VLC media player]], [[Software:GIMP|GIMP]] image editor, and [[Software:Evince|Evince]] document viewer.<ref name="packages" /> Debian is a popular choice for [[Server (computing)|servers]], for example as the operating system component of a [[Software:LAMP (software bundle)|LAMP]] stack.<ref>{{cite magazine |url = http://www.pcworld.com/article/247845/debian_linux_named_most_popular_distro_for_web_servers.html |title = Debian Linux Named Most Popular Distro for Web Servers |last = Noyes |first = Katherine |magazine = PC World |date = 2012-01-11 |access-date = 2013-02-14 |archive-date = February 9, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130209000744/http://www.pcworld.com/article/247845/debian_linux_named_most_popular_distro_for_web_servers.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://w3techs.com/technologies/details/os-linux/all/all |title = Usage statistics and market share of Linux for websites |publisher = W3Techs.com |access-date = 2014-06-10 |archive-date = August 21, 2011 |archive-url = https://www.webcitation.org/616XXWFzG?url=http://w3techs.com/technologies/details/os-linux/all/all |url-status = live }}</ref>

=== Kernels ===
<!--
**** should be moved to The Debian Project ****

Debian supports [[Software:Linux kernel|Linux kernel]] officially, having offered Debian GNU/kFreeBSD for version 7 but not 8,<ref name="new-in-7">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/wheezy/i386/release-notes/ch-whats-new.html |work = Release Notes for Debian 7.0 (wheezy), 32-bit PC |title = Chapter 2. What's new in Debian 7.0 |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-05-27 }}</ref> and [[Software:GNU Hurd|GNU Hurd]] unofficially.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/ports/hurd/ |title = Debian GNU/Hurd |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-05-01 |access-date = 2014-06-10 }}</ref> GNU/kFreeBSD was released as a technology preview for [[IA-32]] and [[X86-64|x86-64]] [[Computer architecture|architectures]],<ref name="new-in-7" /> and lacked the amount of software available in Debian's Linux distribution.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://release.debian.org/wheezy/arch_qualify.html |title = architecture requalification status for wheezy |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-08-15 }}</ref> Official support for kFreeBSD was removed for version 8, which did not provide a kFreeBSD-based distribution. [[Software:Dyson (operating system)|Dyson]] is an unofficial derivative of Debian that implements the [[Software:Illumos|illumos]] kernel and [[Organization:Service Management Facility|Service Management Facility]] [[Software:Init|init]] system.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.osdyson.org/projects/dyson/wiki|title=About - Dyson - Dyson — Debian GNU/kOpenSolaris|website=www.osdyson.org|access-date=2019-07-25}}</ref>
-->

Several flavors of the Linux kernel exist for each port. For example, the i386 port has flavors for IA-32 PCs supporting [[Physical Address Extension]] and [[Real-time computing|real-time computing]], for older PCs, and for x86-64 PCs.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://packages.debian.org/wheezy/linux-image |title = Virtual Package: linux-image |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-08-15 |archive-date = August 19, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140819084518/https://packages.debian.org/wheezy/linux-image |url-status = live }}</ref> The Linux kernel does not officially contain [[Firmware|firmware]] lacking source code, although such firmware is available in non-free packages and alternative installation media.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://kernel-handbook.alioth.debian.org/ch-source.html |work = Debian Linux Kernel Handbook |title = Chapter 2 – Debian kernel source |publisher = Alioth |date = 2013-12-14 |access-date = 2014-08-15 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140604095349/http://kernel-handbook.alioth.debian.org/ch-source.html |archive-date = June 4, 2014 |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://cdimage.debian.org/cdimage/unofficial/non-free/cd-including-firmware/ |title = Unofficial non-free CDs including firmware packages |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-08-16 |archive-date = August 16, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140816095235/http://cdimage.debian.org/cdimage/unofficial/non-free/cd-including-firmware/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

=== Desktop environments ===
[[File:XFCE 4.12.3 on Debian 9.3.png|thumb|Xfce is default on CD images and non-Linux ports]]

Debian offers CD and DVD images specifically built for [[Software:Xfce|Xfce]], [[Software:GNOME|GNOME]], [[Organization:KDE|KDE]], [[Software:MATE|MATE]], [[Software:Cinnamon (desktop environment)|Cinnamon]], [[Software:LXDE|LXDE]], and [[Software:LXQt|LXQt]].<ref name="squeeze released">{{cite web |title = Debian 6.0 'Squeeze' released |publisher = Debian |url = http://www.debian.org/News/2011/20110205a |date = 2011-02-06 |access-date = 2011-02-06 |archive-date = February 21, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110221183035/http://www.debian.org/News/2011/20110205a |url-status = live }}</ref> [[Software:MATE|MATE]] support was added in 2014,<ref>{{cite web |url = https://packages.debian.org/wheezy-backports/mate-desktop |title = Package: mate-desktop (1.8.1+dfsg1-1~bpo70+1) |access-date = 2014-07-06 |publisher = Debian |archive-date = July 14, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714115428/https://packages.debian.org/wheezy-backports/mate-desktop |url-status = live }}</ref> and [[Software:Cinnamon (desktop environment)|Cinnamon]] support was added with Debian 8.0 Jessie.<ref>{{Cite web |title =  Details of package cinnamon in jessie |url = https://packages.debian.org/en/jessie/cinnamon |website = packages.debian.org |access-date = 2015-09-06 |archive-date = September 9, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150909035505/https://packages.debian.org/en/jessie/cinnamon |url-status = live }}</ref> Less common [[Window manager|window manager]]s such as Enlightenment, [[Software:Openbox|Openbox]], [[Software:Fluxbox|Fluxbox]], [[Software:IceWM|IceWM]], [[Software:Window Maker|Window Maker]] and others are available.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://packages.debian.org/sid/x-window-manager |title = Virtual Package: x-window-manager |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-05-27 |archive-date = May 27, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140527231641/https://packages.debian.org/sid/x-window-manager |url-status = live }}</ref>

The default desktop environment of version 7.0 Wheezy was temporarily switched to Xfce, because GNOME 3 did not fit on the first CD of the set.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTE1NTk |last = Larabel |first = Michael |title = Debian Now Defaults To Xfce Desktop |publisher = Phoronix |date = 2012-08-08 |access-date = 2012-08-27 |archive-date = August 10, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120810220558/http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTE1NTk |url-status = live }}</ref> The default for the version 8.0 Jessie was changed again to Xfce in November 2013,<ref>{{cite web |url = http://linux.softpedia.com/blog/Debian-8-0-quot-Jessie-quot-Ditches-GNOME-and-Adopts-Xfce-397262.shtml |title = Debian 8.0 'Jessie' Ditches GNOME and Adopts Xfce |last = Stahie |first = Silviu |publisher = [[Softpedia]] |date = 2013-11-05 |access-date = 2014-11-22 |archive-date = November 29, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141129051655/http://linux.softpedia.com/blog/Debian-8-0-quot-Jessie-quot-Ditches-GNOME-and-Adopts-Xfce-397262.shtml |url-status = live }}</ref> and back to GNOME in September 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://anonscm.debian.org/cgit/tasksel/tasksel.git/commit/?id=dce99f5f8d84e4c885e6beb4cc1bb5bb1d9ee6d7 |title = switch default desktop to GNOME |last = Hess |first = Joey |publisher = Alioth |date = 2014-09-19 |access-date = 2014-11-03 |archive-date = November 4, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141104013603/https://anonscm.debian.org/cgit/tasksel/tasksel.git/commit/?id=dce99f5f8d84e4c885e6beb4cc1bb5bb1d9ee6d7 |url-status = live }}</ref>

=== Localization ===
Several parts of Debian are translated into languages other than American English, including package descriptions, configuration messages, documentation and the website.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/international/l10n/ |title = Central Debian translation statistics |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-07-02 |archive-date = July 4, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140704193725/http://www.debian.org/international/l10n/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The level of software localization depends on the language, ranging from the highly supported [[Social:German language|German]] and [[Social:French language|French]] to the barely translated [[Social:Muscogee language|Creek]] and [[Social:Samoan language|Samoan]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/international/l10n/po/rank |title = Status of the l10n in Debian — ranking PO files between languages |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-07-02 |archive-date = July 9, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140709123015/https://www.debian.org/international/l10n/po/rank |url-status = live }}</ref> The Debian 10 installer is available in 76 languages.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.debian.org/devel/debian-installer/News/2019/20190703 |title = Debian Installer Buster RC 3 release |access-date = 2019-08-22 |publisher = Debian |date = 2019-07-03 |archive-date = August 23, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190823013102/https://www.debian.org/devel/debian-installer/News/2019/20190703 |url-status = live }}</ref>

=== Multimedia support ===

Multimedia support has been problematic in Debian regarding [[Codec|codec]]s threatened by possible patent infringements, lacking source code, or under too restrictive licenses.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://wiki.debian.org/MultimediaCodecs?action=diff&rev1=56&rev2=59 |title = Diff for 'MultimediaCodecs' |last = Mejia |first = Andres |publisher = Debian Wiki |date = 2012-03-18 |access-date = 2014-10-16 |archive-date = October 20, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141020092141/https://wiki.debian.org/MultimediaCodecs?action=diff&rev1=56&rev2=59 |url-status = live }}</ref> Even though packages with problems related to their distribution could go into the non-free area, software such as [[Software:Libdvdcss|libdvdcss]] is not hosted at Debian .<ref>{{cite web |url = https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=154281 |title = RFP: libdvdcss – Library to read scrambled DVDs |publisher = Debian BTS |date = 2002-07-25 |access-date = 2014-07-09 |archive-date = December 2, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181202162508/https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=154281 |url-status = live }}</ref>

A notable third party repository exists, formerly named Debian-multimedia.org,<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.theregister.co.uk/Print/2009/02/16/debian_lenny_review/ |title = 'Lenny': Debian for the masses? |last = Gilbertson |first = Scott |website = The Register |date = 2009-02-16 |access-date = 2014-07-13 |archive-date = August 10, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170810091102/https://www.theregister.co.uk/Print/2009/02/16/debian_lenny_review/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url = http://www.linux-mag.com/id/5006/ |title = Cool APT Repositories for Ubuntu and Debian |last = Granneman |first = Scott |magazine = Linux Magazine |date = 2008-02-06 |access-date = 2014-07-13 |archive-date = July 14, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714144223/http://www.linux-mag.com/id/5006/ |url-status = usurped }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://linux.softpedia.com/blog/Window-Maker-Live-CD-2012-03-18-Available-for-Download-259448.shtml |title = Window Maker Live CD 2012-03-18 Available for Download |last = Nestor |first = Marius |publisher = [[Softpedia]] |date = 2012-03-19 |access-date = 2014-11-22 |archive-date = November 29, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141129051818/http://linux.softpedia.com/blog/Window-Maker-Live-CD-2012-03-18-Available-for-Download-259448.shtml |url-status = live }}</ref> providing software not present in Debian such as [[Software:Windows API|Windows]] codecs, libdvdcss and the [[Software:Adobe Flash Player|Adobe Flash Player]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://deb-multimedia.org/pool/main/ |title = Packages |publisher = deb-multimedia.org |access-date = 2014-07-13 |archive-date = July 14, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714191242/http://deb-multimedia.org/pool/main/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Even though this repository is maintained by Christian Marillat, a Debian developer, it is not part of the project and is not hosted on a Debian server. The repository provides packages already included in Debian, interfering with the official maintenance. Eventually, project leader Stefano Zacchiroli asked Marillat to either settle an agreement about the packaging or to stop using the "Debian" name.<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.alioth.debian.org/pipermail/pkg-multimedia-maintainers/2012-May/026678.html |title = on package duplication between Debian and debian-multimedia |last = Zacchiroli |first = Stefano |mailing-list = pkg-multimedia-maintainers |publisher = Alioth |date = 2012-05-05 |access-date = 2014-07-13 |archive-date = June 5, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140605095724/http://lists.alioth.debian.org/pipermail/pkg-multimedia-maintainers/2012-May/026678.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Marillat chose the latter and renamed the repository to deb-multimedia.org. The repository was so popular that the switchover was announced by the official blog of the Debian project.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://bits.debian.org/2013/06/remove-debian-multimedia.html |title = Remove unofficial debian-multimedia.org repository from your sources |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-06-14 |access-date = 2014-07-13 |archive-date = August 8, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140808052055/https://bits.debian.org/2013/06/remove-debian-multimedia.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

== Distribution{{anchor|Live_images}} ==

Debian offers DVD and CD [[ISO image|images]] for installation that can be downloaded using [[Software:BitTorrent|BitTorrent]] or [[Software:Jigdo|jigdo]]. Physical discs can also be bought from retailers.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/CD/ |title = Debian on CDs |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-05-10 |access-date = 2014-05-27 |archive-date = August 7, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110807185915/http://www.debian.org/CD/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The full sets are made up of several discs (the amd64 port consists of 13 DVDs or 84 CDs),<ref name="jigdo-cd">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/CD/jigdo-cd/#which |title = Downloading Debian CD images with jigdo |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-05-10 |access-date = 2014-05-26 |archive-date = May 27, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140527185909/http://www.debian.org/CD/jigdo-cd/#which |url-status = live }}</ref> but only the first disc is required for installation, as the installer can retrieve software not contained in the first disc image from online repositories.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/CD/http-ftp/#stable |title = Downloading Debian CD/DVD images via HTTP/FTP |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-05-17 |access-date = 2014-05-26 |archive-date = May 27, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140527230127/https://www.debian.org/CD/http-ftp/#stable |url-status = live }}</ref>

Debian offers different network installation methods. A minimal install of Debian is available via the ''netinst'' CD, whereby Debian is installed with just a base and later added software can be downloaded from the Internet. Another option is to boot the installer from the network.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/distrib/netinst |title = Installing Debian GNU/Linux via the Internet |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2008-12-11 |archive-date = August 8, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110808041922/http://www.debian.org/distrib/netinst |url-status = live }}</ref>

The default bootstrap loader is [[Software:GNU GRUB|GNU GRUB]] version 2, though the package name is simply grub, while version 1 was renamed to grub-legacy. This conflicts with distros (e.g., [[Software:Fedora Linux|Fedora Linux]]), where grub version 2 is named grub2.

The default desktop may be chosen from the DVD boot menu among [[Software:GNOME|GNOME]], [[Software:KDE Plasma 5|KDE Plasma]], [[Software:Xfce|Xfce]] and [[Software:LXDE|LXDE]], and from special disc 1 CDs.<ref name="installation-7-6.3">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/wheezy/i386/ch06s03.html.en |work = Debian GNU/Linux Installation Guide |title = 6.3. Using Individual Components |publisher = Debian |year = 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131224224113/http://www.debian.org/releases/wheezy/i386/ch06s03.html.en |archive-date = December 24, 2013 |access-date = 2014-05-30 |url-status = dead |df = mdy }}</ref><ref name="wheezy-hands-on">{{cite news |url = http://www.zdnet.com/debian-linux-7-0-wheezy-hands-on-7000015889/ |title = Debian Linux 7.0 Wheezy: Hands on |last = Watson |first = J.A. |work = [[ZDNet]] |date = 2013-05-28 |access-date = 2014-06-10 |quote = For the CD images, it is useful to know that Debian supports a number of different desktops, including GNOME, KDE, Xfce, MATE and LXDE, and there is a different 'disk 1' image for each of these desktops. |archive-date = May 1, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140501235852/http://www.zdnet.com/debian-linux-7-0-wheezy-hands-on-7000015889/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

Debian releases live install images for CDs, DVDs and USB thumb drives, for [[IA-32]] and [[X86-64|x86-64]] architectures, and with a choice of desktop environments. These ''Debian Live'' images allow users to boot from removable media and run Debian without affecting the contents of their computer. A full install of Debian to the computer's hard drive can be initiated from the live image environment.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/CD/live/ |title = Live install images |date = 2013-10-27 |access-date = 2013-12-07 |publisher = Debian |archive-date = June 7, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170607183518/http://www.debian.org/CD/live/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Personalized images can be built with the live-build tool for discs, USB drives and for network booting purposes.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://live.debian.net/manual/stable/html/live-manual.en.html |title = Debian Live Manual |publisher = Debian |year = 2013 |access-date = 2014-07-06 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140214191646/http://live.debian.net/manual/stable/html/live-manual.en.html |archive-date = February 14, 2014 |df = mdy }}</ref> Installation images are [[Hybrid disc|hybrid]] on some architectures and can be used to create a [[Booting|bootable]] USB drive ([[Software:Live USB|Live USB]]).<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/squeeze/amd64/ch04s03.html#usb-copy-isohybrid |work = Debian GNU/Linux Installation Guide |title = 4.3. Preparing Files for USB Memory Stick Booting |publisher = Debian |year = 2010 |access-date = 2014-05-27 |archive-date = May 27, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140527230139/https://www.debian.org/releases/squeeze/amd64/ch04s03.html#usb-copy-isohybrid |url-status = live }}</ref>

== Packages ==
[[Package manager|Package management]] operations can be performed with different tools available on Debian, from the lowest level command <kbd>dpkg</kbd> to graphical front-ends like [[Software:Synaptic|Synaptic]]. The recommended standard for administering packages on a Debian system is the <kbd>apt</kbd> toolset.<ref name="deb-ref-2">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/debian-reference/ch02.en.html |work = Debian Reference |title = Chapter 2. Debian package management |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-12-03 |access-date = 2014-05-29 |archive-date = August 8, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110808070729/http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/debian-reference/ch02.en.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

[[Software:Dpkg|dpkg]] provides the low-level infrastructure for package management.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://packages.debian.org/stable/dpkg |title = Package: dpkg (1.16.15) &#91;security&#93; &#91;essential&#93; |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-06-18 |archive-date = May 9, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080509052934/http://packages.debian.org/stable/dpkg |url-status = live }}</ref> The dpkg database contains the list of installed software on the current system. The dpkg command tool does not know about repositories. The command can work with local [[Deb (file format)|.deb]] package files, and information from the dpkg database.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://manpages.debian.org/cgi-bin/man.cgi?query=dpkg |title = dpkg |publisher = Debian |date = 2012-06-05 |access-date = 2014-06-18 }}</ref>

=== APT tools ===
[[File:Debian 7 Aptitude Package Details.png|thumb|Using Aptitude to view Debian package details]] [[File:Debian-aptitude.png|thumb|Package installed with Aptitude]]
An Advanced Packaging Tool (APT) allows administering an installed Debian system to retrieve and resolve package [[Coupling (computer programming)|dependencies]] from [[Software repository|repositories]]. APT tools share dependency information and cached packages.<ref name="deb-ref-2" />
* The <kbd>apt</kbd> command itself is intended as an end user interface and enables some options better suited for interactive usage by default compared to more specialized APT like apt-get and apt-cache explained below.
* <kbd>apt-get</kbd> and <kbd>apt-cache</kbd> are command tools of the standard apt package. apt-get installs and removes packages, and apt-cache is used for searching packages and displaying package information.<ref name="deb-ref-2" />
* [[Software:Aptitude|Aptitude]] is a command line tool that also offers a [[Text-based user interface|text-based user interface]]. The program comes with enhancements such as better search on package [[Metadata|metadata]].<ref name="deb-ref-2" />

=== {{Anchor|GDEBI}}GDebi and other front-ends ===
[[File:GDebi Package installer.png|thumb|Screenshot of GDebi Package installer]]
GDebi is an APT tool which can be used in command-line and on the GUI.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://launchpad.net/gdebi/ |title = gdebi |date = January 24, 2006 |publisher = [[Software:Launchpad (website)|Launchpad]] |access-date = 2014-06-19 |archive-date = June 19, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140619195632/https://launchpad.net/gdebi |url-status = live }}</ref> GDebi can install a local .deb file via the command line like the dpkg command, but with access to repositories to resolve dependencies.<ref>{{cite magazine |url = http://www.pcworld.com/article/163019/ubuntu_tricks.html |title = 10 Expert Ubuntu Tricks |last = Thomas |first = Keir |magazine = PC World |date = 2009-04-13 |access-date = 2014-06-19 |archive-date = July 15, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140715233348/http://www.pcworld.com/article/163019/ubuntu_tricks.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Other graphical front-ends for APT include [[Software:Ubuntu Software Center|Software Center]],<ref>{{cite web |url = https://packages.debian.org/stable/software-center |title = Package: software-center (5.1.2debian3.1) |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-06-19 |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706170439/https://packages.debian.org/stable/software-center |url-status = live }}</ref> [[Software:Synaptic|Synaptic]]<ref>{{cite web |url = https://packages.debian.org/stable/synaptic |title = Package: synaptic (0.75.13) |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-06-19 |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706173039/https://packages.debian.org/stable/synaptic |url-status = live }}</ref> and [[Software:Apper|Apper]].<ref>{{cite web |url = https://packages.debian.org/stable/apper |title = Package: apper (0.7.2-5) |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-06-19 |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706185202/https://packages.debian.org/stable/apper |url-status = live }}</ref>

[[Software:GNOME Software|GNOME Software]] is a graphical front-end for [[Software:PackageKit|PackageKit]], which itself can work on top of various software packaging systems.

=== Repositories ===
The [[Debian Free Software Guidelines]] (DFSG) define the distinctive meaning of the word "free" as in "[[Free and open-source software|free and open-source software]]".<ref name="socialcontract">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/social_contract |title = Debian Social Contract |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2013-06-17 |archive-date = February 17, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110217173758/http://www.debian.org/social_contract |url-status = live }}</ref> Packages that comply with these guidelines, usually under the GNU General Public License, [[Software:BSD licenses#3-clause|Modified BSD License]] or [[Software:Artistic License|Artistic License]],<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/legal/licenses/ |title = License information |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2009-02-28 |archive-date = July 20, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170720142826/https://www.debian.org/legal/licenses/ |url-status = live }}</ref> are included inside the ''main'' area;<ref name="distributions">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/developers-reference/resources.html |work = Debian Developer's Reference |title = Chapter 4. Resources for Debian Developers |access-date = 2008-10-31 |publisher = Debian |archive-date = October 25, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081025010313/http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/developers-reference/resources.html |url-status = live }}</ref> otherwise, they are included inside the ''non-free'' and ''contrib'' areas. These last two areas are not distributed within the official installation media, but they can be adopted manually.<ref name="socialcontract" />

Non-free includes packages that do not comply with the DFSG,<ref name="debian-policy">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/doc/debian-policy/ch-archive.html#s-sections |work = Debian Policy Manual |title = Chapter 2 – The Debian Archive |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-10-28 |access-date = 2014-07-09 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140713200533/http://www.debian.org/doc/debian-policy/ch-archive.html#s-sections |archive-date = July 13, 2014 |df = mdy-all }}</ref> such as documentation with invariant sections and [[Proprietary software|proprietary software]],<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/vote/2006/vote_001#amendmenttexta |title = General Resolution: Why the GNU Free Documentation License is not suitable for Debian main |publisher = Debian |year = 2006 |access-date = 2014-07-02 |archive-date = June 29, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140629002111/https://www.debian.org/vote/2006/vote_001#amendmenttexta |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://packages.debian.org/stable/fglrx-driver |title = Package: fglrx-driver (1:12-6+point-3) &#91;non-free&#93; |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-07-02 |archive-date = July 14, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714200624/https://packages.debian.org/stable/fglrx-driver |url-status = live }}</ref> and legally questionable packages.<ref name="debian-policy" /> Contrib includes packages which do comply with the DFSG but fail other requirements. For example, they may depend on packages which are in non-free or requires such for building them.<ref name="debian-policy" />

[[Biography:Richard Stallman|Richard Stallman]] and the [[Organization:Free Software Foundation|Free Software Foundation]] have criticized the Debian project for hosting the non-free repository and because the contrib and non-free areas are easily accessible,<ref name="fsf">{{cite web |url = https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/common-distros.html |title = Explaining Why We Don't Endorse Other Systems |access-date = 2014-06-19 |publisher = [[Software:GNU|GNU]] |archive-date = April 18, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140418233952/https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/common-distros.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.nongnu.org/archive/html/gnuherds-app-dev/2007-10/msg00049.html |title = Re: Debian vs gNewSense – FS criteria |last = Stallman |first = Richard |mailing-list = gnuherds-app-dev |publisher = lists.nongnu.org |date = 2007-10-06 |access-date = 2014-07-09 |quote = What makes Debian unacceptable is that its inclusion of non-free software is not a mistake. |archive-date = July 14, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714142657/https://lists.nongnu.org/archive/html/gnuherds-app-dev/2007-10/msg00049.html |url-status = live }}</ref> an opinion echoed by some in Debian including the former project leader Wichert Akkerman.<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-vote/1999/06/msg00043.html |mailing-list = debian-vote |title = Moving contrib and non-free of master.debian.org |last = Akkerman |first = Wichert |date = 1999-06-21 |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-08-04 |archive-date = July 20, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140720100552/https://lists.debian.org/debian-vote/1999/06/msg00043.html |url-status = live }}</ref> The internal dissent in the Debian project regarding the non-free section has persisted,<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-vote/2014/03/msg00224.html |title = non-free? |last = Wise |first = Paul |mailing-list = debian-vote |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-03-22 |access-date = 2014-08-16 |archive-date = August 19, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140819084518/https://lists.debian.org/debian-vote/2014/03/msg00224.html |url-status = live }}</ref> but the last time it came to a vote in 2004, the majority decided to keep it.<ref name="nonfreeremovalvote">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/vote/2004/vote_002 |title = General Resolution: Status of the non-free section |year = 2004 |access-date = 2009-09-28 |publisher = Debian |archive-date = October 8, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091008234847/http://www.debian.org/vote/2004/vote_002 |url-status = live }}</ref>

=== Cross-distribution package manager ===
The most popular optional Linux cross-distribution package manager are graphical (front-ends) package managers. They are available within the official Debian Repository but are not installed by default. They are widely popular with both Debian users and Debian software developers who are interested in installing the most recent versions of application or using the cross-distribution package manager built-in sandbox environment. While at the same time remaining in control of the security.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Brodkin|first=Jon|date=2016-06-21|title=Linux's RPM/deb split could be replaced by Flatpak vs. snap|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/06/here-comes-flatpak-a-competitor-to-ubuntus-cross-platform-linux-apps/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211219110800/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/06/here-comes-flatpak-a-competitor-to-ubuntus-cross-platform-linux-apps/|archive-date=December 19, 2021|access-date=2021-12-19|website=[[Ars Technica]]|language=en-us}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=2020-11-27|title=How to Install and Use Flatpak on Linux|url=https://www.linuxtoday.com/news/how-to-install-and-use-flatpak-on-linux/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211218164651/https://www.linuxtoday.com/news/how-to-install-and-use-flatpak-on-linux/|archive-date=December 18, 2021|access-date=2021-12-19|website=Linux Today|language=en-US}}</ref>

'''Four most popular cross-distribution package managers, sorted in alphabetical order:'''
* [[AppImage]] Linux distribution-agnostic binary software deployment
* [[Software:Flatpak|Flatpak]] software code is owned and maintained by the not for profit Flatpak Team, with an open source [[Software:GNU Lesser General Public License|LGPL-2.1-or-later]] license.
* [[Software:Homebrew (package manager)|Homebrew]] software code is owned and maintained by its original author Max Howell, with an open source BSD 2-Clause License.
* [[Software:Snap (package manager)|Snap]] software code is owned and maintained by the for profit Canonical Group Limited, with an open source [[Software:GNU General Public License|GNU General Public License, version 3.0]].

== Branches ==
[[File:Debian10-CD-Cover.png|thumb|A Debian 10.0 Buster box cover]]

Three [[Branching (version control)|branches]] of Debian (also called ''releases'', ''distributions'' or ''suites'') are regularly maintained:<ref name="debian-releases">{{cite web |title = Debian Releases |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/ |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-06-22 |archive-date = October 11, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111011180740/http://www.debian.org/releases/ |url-status = live }}</ref>
* ''Stable'' is the current release and targets stable and well-tested software needs.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.zdnet.com/the-new-debian-linux-7-0-is-now-available-7000014911/ |title = The new Debian Linux 7.0 is now available |last = Vaughan-Nichols |first = Steven J. |work = [[ZDNet]] |date = 2013-05-05 |access-date = 2014-07-08 |archive-date = November 29, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141129032319/http://www.zdnet.com/the-new-debian-linux-7-0-is-now-available-7000014911/ |url-status = live }}</ref> ''Stable'' is made by freezing ''Testing'' for a few months where bugs are fixed and packages with too many bugs are removed; then the resulting system is released as ''stable''. It is updated only if major security or usability fixes are incorporated.<ref name="distributions" /> This branch has an optional [[Backporting|backports]] service that provides more recent versions of some software.<ref name="news-backports-official">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/2010/20100905 |title = Backports service becoming official |publisher = Debian |date = 2010-09-05 |access-date = 2014-06-17 |archive-date = September 3, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110903172855/http://www.debian.org/News/2010/20100905 |url-status = live }}</ref> ''Stable''{{'}}s CDs and DVDs can be found in the Debian website.<ref name="jigdo-cd" /> The current version of ''Stable'' is codenamed ''bookworm''.<ref name="debian-releases" />
* ''Testing'' is the preview branch that will eventually become the next major release. The packages included in this branch have had some testing in ''unstable'' but they may not be fit for release yet. It contains newer packages than ''stable'' but older than ''unstable''. This branch is updated continually until it is frozen.<ref name="distributions" /> ''Testing''{{'}}s CDs and DVDs can be found on the Debian website.<ref name="jigdo-cd" /> The current version of ''Testing'' is codenamed ''trixie''. <ref name="debian-releases" />
* ''Unstable'', always codenamed ''sid'', is the [[Software:Trunk|trunk]]. Packages are accepted without checking the distribution as a whole.<ref name="distributions" /> This branch is usually run by software developers who participate in a project and need the latest libraries available, and by those who prefer [[Engineering:Bleeding edge technology|bleeding-edge]] software.<ref name="debian-releases" /> Debian does not provide full Sid installation discs, but rather a minimal ISO that can be used to install over a network connection. Additionally, this branch can be installed through a system upgrade from ''stable'' or ''testing''.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/CD/faq/#unstable-images |title = Frequently Asked Questions |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-07-09 |archive-date = July 14, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714195751/https://www.debian.org/CD/faq/#unstable-images |url-status = live }}</ref>

Other branches in Debian:
* ''Oldstable'' is the prior ''stable'' release.<ref name="distributions" /> It is supported by the Debian Security Team until one year after a new ''stable'' is released, and since the release of Debian 6, for another 2 years through the Long Term Support project.<ref name="securityfaq" /> Eventually, ''oldstable'' is moved to a repository for archived releases.<ref name="distributions" /> Debian 11 is the current Oldstable release (since 2023-06-10).
* ''Oldoldstable'' is the prior ''oldstable'' release. It is supported by the Long Term Support community. Eventually, ''oldoldstable'' is moved to a repository for archived releases. Debian 10 is the current Oldoldstable release (since 2023-06-10).
* ''Experimental'' is a temporary staging area of highly experimental software that is likely to break the system. It is not a full distribution and missing dependencies are commonly found in ''unstable'', where new software without the damage chance is normally uploaded.<ref name="distributions" />

The ''snapshot'' archive provides older versions of the branches. They may be used to install a specific older version of some software.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://snapshot.debian.org/ |title = snapshot.debian.org |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-07-09 |archive-date = June 13, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190613201839/http://snapshot.debian.org/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

=== Numbering scheme ===
''Stable'' and ''oldstable'' get minor updates, called ''point releases''; {{as of|2021|August|lc=y}}, the ''stable'' release is version 11.7,<ref name="bullseye-changelog">{{cite web|date=2021-02-06|title=ChangeLog|url=https://ftp.debian.org/debian/dists/bullseye/ChangeLog|access-date=2021-08-14|work=bullseye|publisher=Debian|archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814220141/https://ftp.debian.org/debian/dists/bullseye/ChangeLog|url-status=live}}</ref> released on {{start date and age|2023|04|29}}, and the ''oldstable'' release is version 10.10.<ref name="buster-changelog">{{cite web|date=2021-08-14|title=ChangeLog|url=https://ftp.debian.org/debian/dists/buster/ChangeLog|access-date=2021-08-14|work=buster|publisher=Debian|archive-date=August 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814215958/https://ftp.debian.org/debian/dists/buster/ChangeLog|url-status=live}}</ref>

The numbering scheme for the point releases up to Debian 4.0 was to include the letter ''r'' (for ''revision''){{sfn |Hertzog |2013 |loc=Section 1.6}} after the main version number and then the number of the point release; for example, the latest point release of version 4.0 is 4.0r9.<ref name="etch-release">{{cite web |url = http://archive.debian.org/debian/dists/Debian-4.0/Release |title = Release |work = etch |publisher = Debian |date = 2010-05-22 |access-date = 2014-06-05 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150815043253/http://archive.debian.org/debian/dists/Debian-4.0/Release |archive-date = August 15, 2015 |url-status = dead }}</ref> This scheme was chosen because a new dotted version would make the old one look obsolete and vendors would have trouble selling their CDs.<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/1998/08/msg01581.html |title = Naming of new 2.0 release |last = Schulze |first = Martin |mailing-list = debian-devel |publisher = Debian |date = 1998-08-24 |access-date = 2014-07-26 |archive-date = July 28, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140728001008/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/1998/08/msg01581.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

From Debian 5.0, the numbering scheme of point releases was changed, conforming to the GNU version numbering standard;<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.gnu.org/prep/standards/html_node/Releases.html#index-version-numbers_002c-for-releases |title = GNU Coding Standards: Releases |publisher = [[Software:GNU|GNU]] |date = 2014-05-13 |access-date = 2014-05-25 |quote = You should identify each release with a pair of version numbers, a major version and a minor. We have no objection to using more than two numbers, but it is very unlikely that you really need them. |archive-date = May 25, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140525214338/https://www.gnu.org/prep/standards/html_node/Releases.html#index-version-numbers_002c-for-releases |url-status = live }}</ref> the first point release of Debian 5.0 was 5.0.1 instead of 5.0r1.<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2009/02/msg00003.html |first = Marc |last = Brockschmidt |access-date = 2009-02-15 |date = 2009-02-15 |mailing-list = debian-devel-announce |title = Debian squeeze waiting for development |publisher = Debian |archive-date = June 20, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170620183013/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2009/02/msg00003.html |url-status = live }}</ref> The numbering scheme was once again changed for the first Debian 7 update, which was version 7.1.<ref name="wheezy-changelog">{{cite web |url = http://ftp.debian.org/debian/dists/wheezy/ChangeLog |title = ChangeLog |work = wheezy |publisher = Debian |date = 2016-06-04 |access-date = 2016-12-14 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140704124448/http://ftp.debian.org/debian/dists/wheezy/ChangeLog |archive-date = July 4, 2014 |url-status = dead }}</ref> The ''r'' scheme is no longer in use, but point release announcements include a note about not throwing away old CDs.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/2014/20141018 |title = Updated Debian 7: 7.7 released |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-10-18 |access-date = 2014-10-20 |archive-date = October 25, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141025044530/https://www.debian.org/News/2014/20141018 |url-status = live }}</ref>

== Branding ==
[[File:Debian-OpenLogo.svg|thumb|upright=0.5|The official logo (also known as open use logo) that contains the well-known Debian swirl<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Debian logos |url=https://www.debian.org/logos/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130162327/https://www.debian.org/logos/ |archive-date=January 30, 2024 |access-date=January 30, 2024 |website=Debian |at=First paragraph}}</ref>|145x145px]]

Debian has two logos. The [https://www.debian.org/logos/#open-use <u>official logo</u>] (also known as <q>o''pen use logo''</q>) contains the well-known Debian <q>''swirl''</q> and best represents the visual identity of the Debian Project. A separate, <u>[https://www.debian.org/logos/#restricted-use restricted-use logo]</u>, also exists for use by the Debian Project and its members only. To refer to Debian, please prefer the open use logo.<ref name=":2" /> The Debian "swirl" logo was designed by Raul Silva<ref>{{cite web |url = http://gnuart.onshore.com/ |title = GNU/art |access-date = February 18, 2015 |archive-date = February 8, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150208024346/http://gnuart.onshore.com/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-www/2010/10/msg00119.html |title = Logo credit |access-date = February 18, 2015 |archive-date = February 18, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150218182043/https://lists.debian.org/debian-www/2010/10/msg00119.html |url-status = live }}</ref> in 1999 as part of a contest to replace the semi-official logo that had been used.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/1999/19990204.en.html |title = Debian Logo Contest |access-date = March 24, 2021 |archive-date = February 18, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150218195921/https://www.debian.org/News/1999/19990204.en.html |url-status = live }}</ref> The winner of the contest received an @Debian.org [[Email address|email address]], and a set of Debian 2.1 install CDs for the architecture of their choice. Initially, the swirl was magic smoke arising from an also included bottle of an Arabian-style genie presented in black profile, but shortly after was reduced to the red smoke swirl for situations where space or multiple colours were not an option, and before long the bottle version effectively was superseded. There has been no official statement from the Debian project on the logo's meaning, but at the time of the logo's selection, it was suggested that the logo represented the magic smoke ( [https://www.debian.org/logos/officiallogo-100.jpg or the genie] ) that made computers work.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-vote/1999/06/msg00001.html |title = [PROPOSED] Swap the "open" and "official" versions of the new logo |access-date = February 18, 2015 |archive-date = September 9, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150909090814/https://lists.debian.org/debian-vote/1999/06/msg00001.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.linux.slashdot.org/story/99/06/04/0412213/debian-chooses-logo |title = Debian Chooses Logo |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150218181919/http://www.linux.slashdot.org/story/99/06/04/0412213/debian-chooses-logo |archive-date = February 18, 2015 |df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2005/01/msg01782.html |title = Origins of the Debian logo |access-date = January 11, 2018 |archive-date = January 12, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180112043011/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2005/01/msg01782.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

One theory about the origin of the Debian logo is that Buzz Lightyear, the chosen character for the first named Debian release, has a swirl in his chin.{{sfn |Krafft |2005 |p=66}}<ref>{{cite AV media |url=http://www.pixar.com/sites/default/files/ts_billboards_title_v3.jpg |title=Toy Story |type=Billboard |publisher=Pixar |access-date=2014-08-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110181603/http://www.pixar.com/sites/default/files/ts_billboards_title_v3.jpg |archive-date=November 10, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Stefano Zacchiroli also suggested that this swirl is the Debian one.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://upsilon.cc/~zack/talks/2010/20101204-versailles.pdf |title = Debian: 17 ans de logiciel libre, 'do-ocracy' et démocratie |page = 6 |first=Stefano |last=Zacchiroli |date = 2010-12-04 |access-date = 2014-10-21 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161120152845/https://upsilon.cc/~zack/talks/2010/20101204-versailles.pdf |archive-date = November 20, 2016 |url-status = dead }}</ref> Buzz Lightyear's swirl is a more likely candidate as the codenames for Debian are names of Toy Story characters. The former Debian project leader Bruce Perens used to work for Pixar and is credited as a studio tools engineer on ''Toy Story 2'' (1999).

== Hardware ==

Hardware requirements are at least those of the kernel and the [[Software:GNU|GNU]] toolsets.<ref name="hreqs2">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/stable/amd64/ch02s01.en.html |work = Debian GNU/Linux Installation Guide |title = 2.1. Supported Hardware |publisher = Debian |year = 2019 |access-date = 2019-07-27 |archive-date = December 28, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201228203501/https://www.debian.org/releases/stable/amd64/ch02s01.en.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Debian's recommended system requirements depend on the level of installation, which corresponds to increased numbers of installed components:<ref name="hreqs1">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/stable/amd64/ch03s04.en.html |work = Debian GNU/Linux Installation Guide |title = 3.4. Meeting Minimum Hardware Requirements |publisher = Debian |year = 2019 |access-date = 2019-07-27 |archive-date = January 12, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210112200525/https://www.debian.org/releases/stable/amd64/ch03s04.en.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! Type
! Minimum [[Random-access memory|RAM]] size
! Recommended RAM size
! Minimum processor clock speed (IA-32)
! Hard-drive capacity
|-
| Non-desktop
| 256&nbsp;[[Megabyte|MB]]
| 512&nbsp;MB
|
| 2&nbsp;[[Gigabyte|GB]]
|-
| Desktop
| 1&nbsp;GB
| 2&nbsp;GB
| 1&nbsp;GHz
| 10&nbsp;GB
|}

The real minimum memory requirements depend on the architecture and may be much less than the numbers listed in this table. It is possible to install Debian with 170&nbsp;[[Megabyte|MB]] of RAM for x86-64;<ref name="hreqs1" /> the installer will run in low memory mode and it is recommended to create a [[Paging|swap partition]].<ref name="installation-7-6.3" /> The installer for z/Architecture requires about 20&nbsp;MB of RAM, but relies on network hardware.<ref name="hreqs1" /><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/jessie/s390x/ch05s01.html.en |work = Debian GNU/Linux Installation Guide |title = 5.1. Booting the Installer on S/390 |publisher = Debian |year = 2015 |access-date = 2017-01-20 |archive-date = July 29, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200729040658/https://www.debian.org/releases/jessie/s390x/ch05s01.html.en |url-status = live }}</ref> Similarly, disk space requirements, which depend on the packages to be installed, can be reduced by manually selecting the packages needed.<ref name="hreqs1" /> {{As of|2019|5|df=}}, no Pure Blend exists that would lower the hardware requirements easily.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://blends.debian.org/blends/ch04.html |work = Debian Pure Blends |title = Chapter 4. Existing Debian Pure Blends |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-06-19 |access-date = 2014-06-19 |archive-date = May 28, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140528053841/http://blends.debian.org/blends/ch04.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

It is possible to run [[Graphical user interface|graphical user interface]]s on older or low-end systems, but the installation of [[Window manager|window manager]]s instead of [[Software:Desktop environment|desktop environment]]s is recommended, as desktop environments are more resource intensive. Requirements for individual software vary widely and must be considered, with those of the base operating environment.<ref name="hreqs1" />

=== Architectures ===
[[File:HP-HP9000-C110-Workstation 21.jpg|thumb|[[Engineering:HP 9000|HP 9000]] C110 [[PA-RISC|PA-RISC]] [[Workstation|workstation]] booting Debian Lenny]]

{{As of|2023|08|18|alt=As of the upcoming Trixie release}}, the official ports are:<ref name="packages_base-files">{{cite web |url = https://buildd.debian.org/status/package.php?p=base-files |title = Buildd status for base-files |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2023-08-18 }}</ref>
* amd64: [[X86-64|x86-64]] architecture with 64-bit userland and supporting 32-bit software
* arm64: ARMv8-A architecture<ref name="two-ports">{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2014/08/msg00012.html |title = Two new architectures bootstrapping in unstable – MBF coming soon |last = Wookey |mailing-list = debian-devel-announce |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-08-27 |access-date = 2014-09-01 |archive-date = September 3, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140903112550/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2014/08/msg00012.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
* armel: Little-[[Endianness|endian]] [[ARM architecture family|ARM architecture]] (ARMv4T instruction set)<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-embedded/2010/01/msg00057.html |title = Re: Identification of ARM chips |last = Wookey |mailing-list = debian-embedded |publisher = Debian |date = 2010-01-23 |access-date = 2014-10-16 |archive-date = October 21, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141021015329/https://lists.debian.org/debian-embedded/2010/01/msg00057.html |url-status = live }}</ref> on various embedded systems (embedded [[Application binary interface|application binary interface]] (EABI)), although support has ended after Buster
* armhf: ARM hard-float architecture (ARMv7 instruction set) requiring hardware with a [[Floating-point unit|floating-point unit]]
* i386: [[IA-32]] architecture with 32-bit userland, compatible with x86-64 machines<ref name="hreqs2" />
* mips64el: Little-endian 64-bit MIPS
* mipsel: Little-endian 32-bit MIPS
* ppc64el: Little-endian [[PowerPC]] architecture supporting [[Engineering:POWER7|POWER7]]+ and [[POWER8]] CPUs<ref name="two-ports" />
* riscv64: 64-bit [[Engineering:RISC-V|RISC-V]]<ref>{{cite web
|url = https://wiki.debian.org/RISC-V
|title = Debian for RISC-V
|access-date = 2024-01-01
|language = en}}</ref>
* s390x: z/Architecture with 64-bit userland, intended to replace s390<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/wheezy/s390/release-notes/ch-whats-new.en.html |work = Release Notes for Debian 7.0 (wheezy), S/390 |title = Chapter 2. What's new in Debian 7.0 |date = 2014-11-09 |access-date = 2015-01-28 |archive-date = December 25, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131225120659/http://www.debian.org/releases/wheezy/s390/release-notes/ch-whats-new.en.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

Unofficial ports are available as part of the ''unstable'' distribution:<ref name="packages_base-files" />
* alpha: [[DEC Alpha]] architecture
* hppa: HP [[PA-RISC]] architecture
* hurd-i386: [[Software:GNU Hurd|GNU Hurd]] kernel on [[IA-32]] architecture
* ia64: Intel Itanium
* loong64: [[Company:Loongson#LoongArch|LoongArch]]<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2023/08/msg00000.html |title = LoongArch architecture added to Debian Ports |last = John Paul Adrian Glaubitz |mailing-list = debian-devel-announce |publisher = Debian |date = 2023-08-16 |access-date = 2023-08-18 }}</ref>
* m68k: [[Motorola 68000 series|Motorola 68k]] architecture on [[Engineering:Amiga|Amiga]], [[Engineering:Atari ST|Atari]], Macintosh and various embedded [[VMEbus|VME]] systems
* powerpc: 32-bit PowerPC
* ppc64: [[Ppc64|PowerPC64]] architecture supporting 64-bit PowerPC CPUs with [[Engineering:AltiVec|VMX]]
* sh4: Hitachi [[Engineering:SuperH|SuperH]] architecture
* sparc64: Sun [[SPARC]] architecture with 64-bit userland
* x32: [[X32 ABI|x32 ABI]] userland for x86-64<ref>{{cite web |url = https://wiki.debian.org/X32Port?action=recall&rev=1 |title = X32Port |last = Schepler |first = Daniel |publisher = Debian Wiki |date = 2012-11-20 |access-date = 2014-10-17 |archive-date = October 21, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141021032124/https://wiki.debian.org/X32Port?action=recall&rev=1 |url-status = live }}</ref>

Debian supports a variety of [[ARM architecture|ARM]]-based [[Network-attached storage|NAS]] devices. The NSLU2 was supported by the installer in Debian 4.0 and 5.0,<ref>{{cite web |url = http://linuxgazette.net/161/brownss.html |title = Upgrading your Slug LG #161 |last = Brown |first = Silas |publisher = Linux Gazette |access-date = 2011-07-27 |archive-date = December 16, 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101216182528/http://linuxgazette.net/161/brownss.html |url-status = live }}</ref> and Martin Michlmayr is providing installation [[Software:Tar (computing)|tarballs]] since version 6.0.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.cyrius.com/debian/nslu2/install/ |title = Installing Debian on NSLU2 |publisher = Martin Michlmayr |date = 2011-02-24 |access-date = 2011-07-27 |archive-date = May 31, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140531043624/http://www.cyrius.com/debian/nslu2/install/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Other supported NAS devices are the [[Engineering:Buffalo network-attached storage series|Buffalo]] Kurobox Pro,<ref name="new-in-lenny-arm">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/lenny/arm/release-notes/ch-whats-new.en.html |work = Release Notes for Debian GNU/Linux 5.0 (lenny), ARM |title = Chapter 2. What's new in Debian GNU/Linux 5.0 |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2011-07-27 |archive-date = June 28, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110628192707/http://www.debian.org/releases/lenny/arm/release-notes/ch-whats-new.en.html |url-status = live }}</ref> GLAN Tank, Thecus N2100<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/etch/arm/release-notes/ch-whats-new.en.html |work = Release Notes for Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 ('etch'), ARM |title = Chapter 2 – What's new in Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 |publisher = Debian |date = 2007-08-16 |access-date = 2011-07-27 |archive-date = June 28, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110628192754/http://www.debian.org/releases/etch/arm/release-notes/ch-whats-new.en.html |url-status = live }}</ref> and QNAP Turbo Stations.<ref name="new-in-lenny-arm" />

Devices based on the Kirkwood [[System on a chip|system on a chip]] (SoC) are supported too, such as the [[Engineering:SheevaPlug|SheevaPlug]] plug computer and OpenRD products.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/squeeze/armel/release-notes/ch-whats-new.en.html#newforarm |work = Release Notes for Debian GNU/Linux 6.0 (squeeze), ARM EABI |title = Chapter 2. What's new in Debian GNU/Linux 6.0 |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2011-07-27 |archive-date = November 9, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201109222500/https://www.debian.org/releases/squeeze/armel/release-notes/ch-whats-new.en.html#newforarm |url-status = live }}</ref> There are efforts to run Debian on mobile devices, but this is not a project goal yet since the Debian Linux kernel maintainers would not apply the needed patches.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/weekly/2012/24/index.en.html#mobiles |title = Debian Project News – December 10th, 2012 |publisher = Debian |date = 2012-12-10 |access-date = 2014-06-17 |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706181403/https://www.debian.org/News/weekly/2012/24/index.en.html#mobiles |url-status = live }}</ref> Nevertheless, there are packages for resource-limited systems.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://packages.debian.org/wheezy/matchbox |title = Package: matchbox (1:5) |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-06-17 |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706173217/https://packages.debian.org/wheezy/matchbox |url-status = live }}</ref>

There are efforts to support Debian on [[Wireless access point|wireless access point]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://wiki.debian.org/DebianWRT?action=recall&rev=1 |title = DebianWRT |last = Hess |first = Joey |publisher = Debian Wiki |date = 2005-09-23 |access-date = 2014-10-17 |archive-date = October 21, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141021035550/https://wiki.debian.org/DebianWRT?action=recall&rev=1 |url-status = live }}</ref> Debian is known to run on set-top boxes.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/weekly/2013/21/#minidebconfs |title = Debian Project News – December 2nd, 2013 |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-12-02 |access-date = 2014-06-17 |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706175547/https://www.debian.org/News/weekly/2013/21/#minidebconfs |url-status = live }}</ref> Work is ongoing to support the AM335x processor,<ref>{{cite web |url = https://wiki.debian.org/InstallingDebianOn/TI/BeagleBone?action=recall&rev=1 |title = InstallingDebianOn TI BeagleBone |last = Liu |first = Ying-Chun |publisher = Debian Wiki |date = 2012-01-27 |access-date = 2014-10-17 |archive-date = October 21, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141021053131/https://wiki.debian.org/InstallingDebianOn/TI/BeagleBone?action=recall&rev=1 |url-status = live }}</ref> which is used in [[Point of sale|electronic point of service]] solutions.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.ti.com/tool/am335x-tab |title = Enterprise Tablet Reference Design Kit |publisher = [[Company:Texas Instruments|Texas Instruments]] |access-date = 2014-06-17 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140612213358/http://www.ti.com/tool/am335x-tab |archive-date = June 12, 2014 |df = mdy }}</ref> Debian may be customized to run on cash machines.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://krebsonsecurity.com/2014/05/thieves-planted-malware-to-hack-atms/ |title = Thieves Planted Malware to Hack ATMs |publisher = Brian Krebs |date = 2014-05-30 |access-date = 2014-06-17 |archive-date = June 24, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140624055713/http://krebsonsecurity.com/2014/05/thieves-planted-malware-to-hack-atms/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

[[Engineering:BeagleBoard|BeagleBoard]], a low-power [[Open-source hardware|open-source hardware]] single-board computer (made by Texas Instruments) has switched to Debian Linux preloaded on its Beaglebone Black board's flash.

Roqos Core, manufactured by Roqos, is a x86-64 based IPS firewall router running Debian Linux.

== Organization ==
{{Image frame
|content=
{{chart/start}}
{{chart| | | | | |GR |GR=General Resolution}}
{{chart|el |ov |Q|Q|el=elect↓|ov=override↓|boxstyle_el=border: 0; text-align: left;|boxstyle_ov=border: 0; text-align: right;}}
{{chart|S|DPL |P|P|G|Q|DPL=Leader}}
{{chart|Q| |Q|app |Q|Q|app=↓appoint|boxstyle_app=border: 0; text-align: left;}}
{{chart|Q|DEL |P|P|Z|Q|DEL=Delegate}}
{{chart|Q| |Q|dec | |Q|dec=↓decide|boxstyle_dec=border: 0; text-align: left;}}
{{chart|Y|DD |pr |Q|DD=Developer|pr=propose↑|boxstyle_pr=border: 0; text-align: right;}}
{{chart| | |Y|P|P|P|P|Z}}
{{chart/end}}
|caption=Simplified organizational structure
}}
Debian's policies and team efforts focus on collaborative software development and testing processes.<ref name="debfaq-def" /> As a result, a new major release tends to occur every two years with revision releases that fix security issues and important problems.{{sfn |Hertzog |2013 |loc=Section 1.6}}<ref name="two-year-cycle">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/2009/20090729 |title = Debian decides to adopt time-based release freezes |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2009-09-12 |date = 2009-07-29 |archive-date = March 14, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110314224808/http://www.debian.org/News/2009/20090729 |url-status = live }}</ref> The Debian project is a volunteer organization with three foundational documents:
* The ''Debian Social Contract'' defines a set of basic principles by which the project and its developers conduct affairs.<ref name="socialcontract" />
* The ''[[Debian Free Software Guidelines]]'' define the criteria for "free software" and thus what software is permissible in the distribution. These guidelines have been adopted as the basis of the [[The Open Source Definition|Open Source Definition]]. Although this document can be considered separate, it formally is part of the Social Contract.<ref name="socialcontract" />
* The ''Debian Constitution'' describes the organizational structure for formal decision-making within the project, and enumerates the powers and responsibilities of the Project Leader, the Secretary and other roles.<ref name="constitution">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/devel/constitution |title = Constitution for the Debian Project (v1.4) |access-date = 2014-02-25 |publisher = Debian |archive-date = June 3, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110603231508/http://www.debian.org/devel/constitution |url-status = live }}</ref>

{{Historical populations
|title=Debian developer population
|pop_name={{abbr|DD|Debian developers}}
|source=[//www.debian.org/vote/ Debian Voting Information]
|[//www.debian.org/vote/1999/vote_0001#quorum 1999] |347
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2000/vote_0007#quorum 2000] |347
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2001/vote_0001#quorum 2001] |?
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2002/vote_0001#quorum 2002] |939
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2003/vote_0001#quorum 2003] |831
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2004/vote_001.quorum.log 2004] |911
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2005/vote_001.quorum.log 2005] |965
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2006/vote_001_quorum.log 2006] |972
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2007/vote_001_quorum.log 2007] |1036
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2008/vote_001_quorum.log 2008] |1075
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2009/vote_001_quorum.log 2009] |1013
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2010/vote_001_quorum.log 2010] |886
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2011/vote_001_quorum.log 2011] |911
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2012/vote_001_quorum.log 2012] |948
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2013/vote_001_quorum.log 2013] |988
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2014/vote_001_quorum.log 2014] |1003
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2015/vote_001_quorum.log 2015] |1033
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2016/vote_001_quorum.log 2016] |1023
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2017/vote_001_quorum.log 2017] |1062
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2018/vote_001_quorum.log 2018] |1001
|[//www.debian.org/vote/2019/vote_001_quorum.log 2019] |1003
|[https://www.debian.org/vote/2020/vote_001_quorum.log 2020]|1011
|[https://www.debian.org/vote/2021/vote_001_quorum.log 2021]|1018
|[https://www.debian.org/vote/2022/vote_001_quorum.log 2022]|1023
|[https://www.debian.org/vote/2023/vote_001_quorum.log 2023]|996}}

Debian developers are organized in a [[Web of trust|web of trust]].{{sfn |Coleman |2013 |p=143}} There are {{as of|2014|alt=at present}} about one thousand active Debian developers,<ref>{{cite web |url = https://nm.debian.org/public/people/dd_u |title = Debian New Member – Status DD, upl. |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-06-21 |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706171828/https://nm.debian.org/public/people/dd_u |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://nm.debian.org/public/people/dd_nu |title = Debian New Member – Status DD, non-upl. |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-06-21 |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706171252/https://nm.debian.org/public/people/dd_nu |url-status = live }}</ref> but it is possible to contribute to the project without being an official developer.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/intro/help |title = How can you help Debian? |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-04-30 |access-date = 2014-06-03 |archive-date = May 16, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140516222212/http://www.debian.org/intro/help |url-status = live }}</ref>

The project maintains official [[Mailing list|mailing list]]s and conferences for communication and coordination between developers.<ref name="distributions" /><ref>{{cite web |url = http://meetings-archive.debian.net/pub/debian-meetings/ |title = Index of /pub/debian-meetings |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-07-16 |archive-date = June 14, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180614191607/http://meetings-archive.debian.net/pub/debian-meetings/ |url-status = live }}</ref> For issues with single packages and other tasks,<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/Bugs/pseudo-packages |title = Debian bug tracking system pseudo-packages |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-12-08 |access-date = 2014-06-03 |archive-date = June 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140606213442/https://www.debian.org/Bugs/pseudo-packages |url-status = live }}</ref> a public [[Software bug|bug]] tracking system is used by developers and end users. [[Internet Relay Chat]] is also used for communication among developers<ref name="distributions" /> and to provide real time help.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/support#irc |title = Support |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-04-30 |access-date = 2014-06-03 |archive-date = May 28, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140528173033/http://www.debian.org/support#irc |url-status = live }}</ref>

Debian is supported by donations made to organizations authorized by the leader.<ref name="constitution" /> The largest supporter is [[Organization:Software in the Public Interest|Software in the Public Interest]], the owner of the Debian trademark, manager of the monetary donations<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/donations |title = Donations to Software in the Public Interest |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-05-10 |access-date = 2014-06-03 |archive-date = May 10, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140510175115/http://www.debian.org/donations |url-status = live }}</ref> and [[Organization:Umbrella organization|umbrella organization]] for various other community free software projects.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.spi-inc.org/projects/ |title = SPI Associated Projects |publisher = [[Organization:Software in the Public Interest|Software in the Public Interest]] |date = 2014-07-14 |access-date = 2014-07-16 |archive-date = February 7, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130207041404/http://www.spi-inc.org/projects/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

A Project Leader is elected once per year by the developers. The leader has special powers, but they are not absolute, and appoints delegates to perform specialized tasks. Delegates make decisions as they think is best, taking into account technical criteria and consensus. By way of a General Resolution, the developers may recall the leader, reverse a decision made by the leader or a delegate, amend foundational documents and make other binding decisions.<ref name="constitution" /> The voting method is based on the [[Social:Schulze method|Schulze method]] (Cloneproof Schwartz Sequential Dropping).<ref name="vote-info">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/vote/ |title = Debian Voting Information |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-02-18 |access-date = 2014-06-03 |archive-date = June 4, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110604032858/http://www.debian.org/vote/ |url-status = live }}</ref>


Project leadership is distributed occasionally. Branden Robinson was helped by the Project Scud, a team of developers that assisted the leader,<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-project/2005/03/msg00035.html |title = Announcing project scud |last = van Wolffelaar |first = Jeroen |mailing-list = debian-project |publisher = Debian |date = 2005-03-05 |access-date = 2014-07-17 |archive-date = July 25, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140725094849/https://lists.debian.org/debian-project/2005/03/msg00035.html |url-status = live }}</ref> but there were concerns that such leadership would split Debian into two developer classes.{{sfn |Krafft |2005 |p=34}} Anthony Towns created a supplemental position, Second In Charge (2IC), that shared some powers of the leader.<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2006/04/msg00015.html |title = Bits from the DPL |last = Towns |first = Anthony |mailing-list = debian-devel-announce |publisher = Debian |date = 2006-04-23 |access-date = 2014-07-17 |archive-date = June 9, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130609133229/http://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2006/04/msg00015.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Steve McIntyre was 2IC and had a 2IC himself.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/vote/2009/platforms/93sam |title = Steve McIntyre's DPL platform, 2009 |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-07-17 |archive-date = July 25, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140725085331/https://www.debian.org/vote/2009/platforms/93sam |url-status = live }}</ref>

One important role in Debian's leadership is that of a [[Software release life cycle|release]] manager.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.business.ualberta.ca/tcc/documents/TII_3_OMahoney_Ferraro_final.pdf |title = The Emergence of Governance in an Open Source Community |page = 30 |last1 = O'Mahony |first1 = Siobhán |last2 = Ferraro |first2 = Fabrizio |publisher = University of Alberta School of Business |access-date = 2008-11-01 |year = 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080529081303/http://www.business.ualberta.ca/tcc/documents/TII_3_OMahoney_Ferraro_final.pdf |archive-date = 2008-05-29 }}</ref> The release team sets goals for the next release, supervises the processes and decides when to release. The team is led by the next release managers and stable release managers.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/intro/organization |title = The Debian organization web page |access-date = 2008-11-01 |publisher = Debian |archive-date = November 29, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111129045608/http://www.debian.org/intro/organization |url-status = live }}</ref> Release assistants were introduced in 2003.<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2003/03/msg00007.html |title = Bits from the RM: Help Wanted, Apply Within |last = Towns |first = Anthony |mailing-list = debian-devel-announce |publisher = Debian |date = 2003-03-08 |access-date = 2014-07-17 |archive-date = July 25, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140725092941/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2003/03/msg00007.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

=== Developers ===
The Debian Project has an influx of applicants wishing to become developers.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://nm.debian.org/public/stats/ |title = Debian New Member – Statistics |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-06-03 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706180807/https://nm.debian.org/public/stats/ |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |df = mdy }}</ref> These applicants must undergo a vetting process which establishes their identity, motivation, understanding of the project's principles, and technical competence.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/devel/join/newmaint |title = Debian New Maintainers |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2008-10-31 |archive-date = November 20, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081120014929/http://www.debian.org/devel/join/newmaint |url-status = live }}</ref> This process has become much harder throughout the years.{{sfn |Hertzog |2013 |p=13}}

Debian developers join the project for many reasons. Some that have been cited include:
* Debian is their main operating system and they want to promote Debian<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2009/01/msg00022.html |title = AM report for Alexander GQ Gerasiov |last = Berg |first = Christoph |mailing-list = debian-newmaint |publisher = Debian |date = 2009-01-10 |access-date = 2014-07-18 |archive-date = July 25, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140725093119/https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2009/01/msg00022.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
* To improve the support for their favorite technology<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2010/01/msg00000.html |title = AM report for Jakub Wilk &#91;...&#93; |last = Joeris |first = Steffen |mailing-list = debian-newmaint |publisher = Debian |date = 2010-01-03 |access-date = 2014-07-18 |archive-date = July 25, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140725095952/https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2010/01/msg00000.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
* They are involved with a Debian derivative<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2011/01/msg00005.html |title = AM report for Kamal Mostafa |last = Wolf |first = Gunnar |mailing-list = debian-newmaint |publisher = Debian |date = 2011-01-13 |access-date = 2014-07-18 |archive-date = July 25, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140725090122/https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2011/01/msg00005.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
* A desire to contribute back to the free-software community<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2012/01/msg00001.html |title = AM report for vicho |last = Faraone |first = Luke |mailing-list = debian-newmaint |publisher = Debian |date = 2012-01-01 |access-date = 2014-07-18 |archive-date = July 25, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140725094247/https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2012/01/msg00001.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
* To make their Debian maintenance work easier<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2013/01/msg00004.html |title = AM report for Manuel A. Fernandez Montecelo |last = Wiltshire |first = Jonathan |mailing-list = debian-newmaint |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-01-06 |access-date = 2014-07-18 |archive-date = July 25, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140725085515/https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2013/01/msg00004.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

Debian developers may resign their positions at any time or, when deemed necessary, they can be expelled.<ref name="constitution" /> Those who follow the retiring protocol are granted the "emeritus" status and they may regain their membership through a shortened new member process.<ref name="developer-duties">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/developers-reference/developer-duties.html |work = Debian Developer's Reference |title = Chapter 3. Debian Developer's Duties |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-07-19 |archive-date = July 16, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140716214122/http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/developers-reference/developer-duties.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

== Development ==
<div class="thumb tright"><div class="thumbinner" style="width: 25ex;">
{| style="margin: 0 auto 1ex auto"
| style="width: 5ex" |
| style="width: 1ex" |
| style="width: 5ex" |
| style="width: 4ex" |
|-
| align="center" colspan="3" style="border: 1px solid" | upstream
|
|-
|
| style="font-size: larger" | ↓
| align="left" colspan="2" | packaging
|-
| align="center" colspan="3" style="border: 1px solid" | package
|
|-
|
| style="font-size: larger" | ↓
| align="left" colspan="2" | upload
|-
| align="center" colspan="3" style="border: 1px solid" | incoming
|
|-
|
| style="font-size: larger" | ↓
| align="left" colspan="2" | checks
|-
| align="center" colspan="3" style="background-color: #333; border: 1px solid #000; color: #fff" | unstable
|
|-
|
| style="font-size: larger" | ↓
| align="left" colspan="2" | migration
|-
| align="center" colspan="3" style="background-color: #333; border: 1px solid #000; color: #fff" | testing
|
|-
|
| style="font-size: larger" | ↓
| align="left" colspan="2" | freeze
|-
| align="center" colspan="3" style="background-color: #999; border: 1px solid #000; color: #fff" | frozen
|
|-
|
| style="font-size: larger" | ↓
| align="left" colspan="2" | release
|-
| align="center" colspan="3" style="background-color: #333; border: 1px solid #000; color: #fff" | stable
|
|-
|}
<div class="thumbcaption">Flowchart of the life cycle of a Debian package</div></div></div>

Each software package has a ''maintainer'' that may be either one person or a team of Debian developers and non-developer maintainers.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/doc/debian-policy/ch-binary.html |work = Debian Policy Manual |title = Chapter 3 – Binary packages |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-10-28 |access-date = 2014-07-19 |archive-date = August 4, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110804225620/http://www.debian.org/doc/debian-policy/ch-binary.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/vote/2007/vote_003 |year = 2007 |access-date = 2008-12-13 |title = General Resolution: Endorse the concept of Debian Maintainers |publisher = Debian |archive-date = December 7, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081207054617/http://www.debian.org/vote/2007/vote_003 |url-status = live }}</ref> The maintainer keeps track of [[Software:Upstream (software development)|upstream]] releases, and ensures that the package coheres with the rest of the distribution and meets the standards of quality of Debian. Packages may include modifications introduced by Debian to achieve compliance with Debian Policy, even to fix non-Debian specific bugs, although coordination with upstream developers is advised.<ref name="developer-duties" />

The maintainer releases a new version by uploading the package to the "incoming" system, which verifies the integrity of the packages and their [[Digital signature|digital signature]]s. If the package is found to be valid, it is installed in the package archive into an area called the "pool" and distributed every day to hundreds of mirrors worldwide. The upload must be signed using OpenPGP-compatible software.<ref name="distributions" /> All Debian developers have individual [[Public-key cryptography|cryptographic key pairs]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/developers-reference/new-maintainer.html#registering |access-date = 2010-10-09 |work = Debian Developer's Reference |title = Chapter 2. Applying to Become a Maintainer |publisher = Debian |archive-date = September 23, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200923124128/https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/developers-reference/new-maintainer.html#registering |url-status = live }}</ref> Developers are responsible for any package they upload even if the packaging was prepared by another contributor.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://wiki.debian.org/DebianMentorsFaq?action=recall&rev=1#What.27s_a_sponsor.2C_why_do_I_want_one.2C_and_how_do_I_get_one.3F |title = DebianMentorsFaq |last = Costela |first = Leo |publisher = Debian Wiki |date = 2010-02-12 |access-date = 2014-10-17 |archive-date = October 21, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141021063214/https://wiki.debian.org/DebianMentorsFaq?action=recall&rev=1#What.27s_a_sponsor.2C_why_do_I_want_one.2C_and_how_do_I_get_one.3F |url-status = live }}</ref>

Initially, an accepted package is only available in the ''unstable'' branch.<ref name="distributions" /> For a package to become a candidate for the next release, it must migrate to the ''Testing'' branch by meeting the following:<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/developers-reference/pkgs.html#testing |access-date = 2008-10-31 |work = Debian Developer's Reference |title = Chapter 5. Managing Packages |publisher = Debian |archive-date = January 9, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210109150517/https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/developers-reference/pkgs.html#testing |url-status = live }}</ref>
* It has been in ''unstable'' for a certain length of time that depends on the urgency of the changes.
* It does not have "release-critical" bugs, except for the ones already present in ''Testing''. Release-critical bugs are those considered serious enough that they make the package unsuitable for release.
* There are no outdated versions in ''unstable'' for any release ports.
* The migration does not break any packages in ''Testing''.
* Its dependencies can be satisfied by packages already in ''Testing'' or by packages being migrated at the same time.
* The migration is not blocked by a freeze.

Thus, a release-critical bug in a new version of a shared library on which many packages depend may prevent those packages from entering ''Testing'', because the updated library must meet the requirements too.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/devel/testing |access-date = 2008-11-24 |title = Debian 'testing' distribution |publisher = Debian |archive-date = November 20, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081120222604/http://www.debian.org/devel/testing |url-status = live }}</ref> From the branch viewpoint, the migration process happens twice per day, rendering ''Testing'' in [[Perpetual beta|perpetual beta]].<ref name="distributions" />

Periodically, the release team publishes guidelines to the developers in order to ready the release. A new release occurs after a freeze, when all important software is reasonably up-to-date in the ''Testing'' branch and any other significant issues are solved. At that time, all packages in the ''testing'' branch become the new ''stable'' branch.<ref name="distributions" /> Although freeze dates are time-based,<ref name="two-year-cycle" /> release dates are not, which are announced by the release managers a couple of weeks beforehand.<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2013/04/msg00006.html |title = FINAL release update |last = McGovern |first = Neil |mailing-list = debian-devel-announce |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-04-18 |access-date = 2014-07-20 |archive-date = July 17, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140717000040/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2013/04/msg00006.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

A version of a package can belong to more than one branch, usually ''testing'' and ''unstable''. It is possible for a package to keep the same version between stable releases and be part of ''oldstable'', ''stable'', ''testing'' and ''unstable'' at the same time.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://packages.debian.org/search?keywords=dict-bouvier |title =  Package Search Results – dict-bouvier |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-06-04 |archive-date = June 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140606233141/https://packages.debian.org/search?keywords=dict-bouvier |url-status = live }}</ref> Each branch can be seen as a collection of pointers into the package "pool" mentioned above.<ref name="distributions" />

One way to resolve the challenge of a release-critical bug in a new application version is the use of optional package managers. They allow software developers to use sandbox environments, while at the same time remaining in control of security.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Another benefit of a cross-distribution package manager is that they allow application developers to directly provide updates to users without going through distributions, and without having to package and test the application separately for each distribution.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Larsson|first=Alexander|title=Kick-starting the revolution 1.0 – Alexander Larsson|date=August 21, 2018 |url=https://blogs.gnome.org/alexl/2018/08/21/kick-starting-the-revolution-1-0/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211219113521/https://blogs.gnome.org/alexl/2018/08/21/kick-starting-the-revolution-1-0/|archive-date=December 19, 2021|access-date=2021-12-19|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Release cycle ===
A new ''stable'' branch of Debian gets released approximately every 2 years. It will receive official support for about 3 years with update for major security or usability fixes. Point releases will be available every several months as determined by Stable Release Managers (SRM).<ref>{{cite web|title=Point Releases - Debian Wiki|url=https://wiki.debian.org/DebianReleases/PointReleases|access-date=2017-09-27|publisher=Debian Release Team|archive-date=September 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925104409/https://wiki.debian.org/DebianReleases/PointReleases|url-status=live}}</ref>

Debian also launched its Long Term Support (LTS) project since Debian 6 (Debian Squeeze). For each Debian release, it will receive two years of extra security updates provided by LTS Team after its End Of Life (EOL). However, no point releases will be made. Now each Debian release can receive 5 years of security support in total.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wiki.debian.org/LTS|title=LTS - Debian Wiki|date=3 July 2018|work=Debian LTS Team|access-date=18 August 2018|archive-date=May 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507040157/https://wiki.debian.org/LTS/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Security ===
The Debian project handles security through [[Full disclosure (computer security)|public disclosure]]. Debian security advisories are compatible with the [[Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures]] dictionary, are usually coordinated with other free software vendors and are published the same day a vulnerability is made public.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/security/ |access-date = 2008-12-13 |title = Security Information |publisher = Debian |archive-date = October 31, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121031073733/http://www.debian.org/security/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://cve.mitre.org/compatible/organizations.html#Software%20in%20the%20Public%20Interest,%20Inc. |title = Organizations Participating |publisher = [[Organization:Mitre Corporation|MITRE]] |date = 2014-04-16 |access-date = 2014-06-05 |archive-date = May 26, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140526085923/http://cve.mitre.org/compatible/organizations.html#Software%20in%20the%20Public%20Interest,%20Inc. |url-status = live }}</ref> There used to be a security audit project that focused on packages in the stable release looking for security bugs;<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/security/audit/ |title = Debian Security Audit Project |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-03-15 |access-date = 2014-06-04 |archive-date = June 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140606223459/https://www.debian.org/security/audit/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Steve Kemp, who started the project, retired in 2011 but resumed his activities and applied to rejoin in 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.steve.org.uk/Security/Advisories/ |title = Advisories |publisher = Steve Kemp |access-date = 2014-08-18 |archive-date = August 19, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140819084841/http://www.steve.org.uk/Security/Advisories/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://nm.debian.org/public/person/skx |title = Steve Kemp |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-08-18 |archive-date = August 19, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140819084712/https://nm.debian.org/public/person/skx |url-status = live }}</ref>

The ''stable'' branch is supported by the Debian security team; ''oldstable'' is supported for one year.<ref name="securityfaq">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/security/faq |title = Debian security FAQ |date = 2007-02-28 |access-date = 2008-10-21 |publisher = Debian |archive-date = August 28, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080828054249/http://www.debian.org./security/faq |url-status = live }}</ref> Although Squeeze is not officially supported, Debian is coordinating an effort to provide [[Long-term support|long-term support]] (LTS) until February 2016, five years after the initial release, but only for the IA-32 and x86-64 platforms.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTY2NzA |title = Debian To Maintain 6.0 Squeeze As An LTS Release |last = Larabel |first = Michael |publisher = Phoronix |date = 2014-04-18 |access-date = 2014-07-21 |archive-date = October 6, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161006082828/https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTY2NzA |url-status = live }}</ref> ''Testing'' is supported by the ''testing'' security team, but does not receive updates in as timely a manner as ''stable''.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://testing-security.debian.net |title = Debian testing security team |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2008-10-31 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081005233623/http://testing-security.debian.net/ |archive-date = October 5, 2008 |df = mdy }}</ref> ''Unstable''{{'}}s security is left for the package maintainers.<ref name="securityfaq" />

The Debian project offers documentation and tools to [[Hardening (computing)|harden]] a Debian installation both manually and automatically.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/doc/user-manuals#securing |access-date = 2008-12-13 |title = Securing Debian Manual |publisher = Debian |archive-date = January 28, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210128190114/https://www.debian.org/doc/user-manuals#securing |url-status = live }}</ref> [[Software:AppArmor|AppArmor]] support is available and enabled by default since Buster.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.debian.org/News/2019/20190706.en.html|title=Debian -- News -- Debian 10 "buster" released|website=www.debian.org|access-date=2019-07-08|archive-date=July 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707151659/https://www.debian.org/News/2019/20190706.en.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Debian provides an optional hardening wrapper, and does not harden all of its software by default using [[Software:GNU Compiler Collection|gcc]] features such as [[Position-independent code|PIE]] and [[Buffer overflow protection|buffer overflow protection]], unlike operating systems such as [[Organization:OpenBSD|OpenBSD]],<ref>{{cite web |url = http://d-sbd.alioth.debian.org/www/ |title = Debian Secure by Default |publisher = Debian: SbD |access-date = 2011-01-31 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20041103003535/http://d-sbd.alioth.debian.org/www/ |archive-date = November 3, 2004 |url-status = dead }}</ref> but tries to build as many packages as possible with hardening flags.<ref name="new-in-7">{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/wheezy/i386/release-notes/ch-whats-new.html |work = Release Notes for Debian 7.0 (wheezy), 32-bit PC |title = Chapter 2. What's new in Debian 7.0 |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-05-27 |archive-date = June 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140606220213/https://www.debian.org/releases/wheezy/i386/release-notes/ch-whats-new.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

In May 2008, a Debian developer discovered that the [[Software:OpenSSL|OpenSSL]] package distributed with Debian and derivatives such as [[Software:Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu]] made a variety of security keys vulnerable to a [[Random number generator attack|random number generator attack]], since only 32,767 different keys were generated.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/security/2008/dsa-1571 |title = DSA-1571-1 openssl: predictable random number generator |date = 2008-05-13 |access-date = 2008-10-31 |publisher = Debian |archive-date = March 9, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110309045023/http://www.debian.org/security/2008/dsa-1571 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2008-0166 |title = CVE-2008-0166 |access-date = 2014-07-21 |publisher = [[Organization:Mitre Corporation|MITRE]] |archive-date = July 14, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714005052/http://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2008-0166 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="garfinkel">{{cite magazine |url =https://www.technologyreview.com/2008/05/20/220474/alarming-open-source-security-holes/ |title = Alarming Open-Source Security Holes |last = Garfinkel |first = Simson |magazine = MIT Technology Review |date = 2008-05-20 |access-date = 2014-07-21 }}</ref> The security weakness was caused by changes made in 2006 by another Debian developer in response to memory debugger warnings.<ref name="garfinkel" /><ref>{{cite web |url = https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=363516 |title = valgrind-clean the RNG |publisher = Debian BTS |date = 2006-04-19 |access-date = 2014-06-21 |archive-date = August 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140806025755/https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=363516 |url-status = live }}</ref> The complete resolution procedure was cumbersome because patching the security hole was not enough; it involved regenerating all affected keys and certificates.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://cseweb.ucsd.edu/~hovav/dist/debiankey.pdf |title = When Private Keys are Public: Results from the 2008 Debian OpenSSL Vulnerability |publisher = [[Organization:University of California, San Diego|University of California, San Diego]] |year = 2009 |access-date = 2014-06-22 |archive-date = March 4, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304192449/http://cseweb.ucsd.edu/~hovav/dist/debiankey.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref>

=== Value ===
The cost of developing all of the packages included in Debian 5.0 Lenny (323 million lines of code) has been estimated to be about {{US$|8 billion|link=yes}}, using one method based on the COCOMO model.<ref name="measuring-lenny">Amor, J. J.; Robles, G.; González-Barahona, J. M.; Rivas, F.: [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jesus_Gonzalez-Barahona/publication/229014230_Measuring_Lenny_the_size_of_Debian_5.0/links/0deec5200b5b4b35e5000000.pdf Measuring Lenny: the size of Debian 5.0] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324060631/https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jesus-Gonzalez-Barahona/publication/229014230_Measuring_Lenny_the_size_of_Debian_50/links/0deec5200b5b4b35e5000000/Measuring-Lenny-the-size-of-Debian-50.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324060631/https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jesus-Gonzalez-Barahona/publication/229014230_Measuring_Lenny_the_size_of_Debian_50/links/0deec5200b5b4b35e5000000/Measuring-Lenny-the-size-of-Debian-50.pdf |archive-date=2021-03-24 |url-status=live |date=March 24, 2021 }} ResearchGate</ref> {{As of|2016}}, Black Duck [[Open Hub]] estimates that the current [[Codebase|codebase]] (74 million lines of code) would cost about {{US$|1.4 billion}} to develop, using a different method based on the same model.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.openhub.net/p/debian/estimated_cost |title = Estimated Cost |publisher = Black Duck [[Open Hub]] |access-date = 2016-01-06 |archive-date = August 8, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140808124056/https://www.openhub.net/p/debian/estimated_cost |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://packages.debian.org/stable/ohcount |title = Package: ohcount (3.0.0-8 and others) |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2016-01-06 |archive-date = July 14, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714153024/https://packages.debian.org/stable/ohcount |url-status = live }}</ref>

== Forks and derivatives ==

A large number of [[Software:Fork (software development)|forks]] and derivatives have been built upon Debian over the years. Among the more notable are [[Software:Ubuntu|Ubuntu]], developed by [[Company:Canonical|Canonical Ltd.]] and first released in 2004, which has surpassed Debian in popularity with desktop users;<ref>[https://www.zdnet.com/article/whats-the-most-popular-linux-of-them-all/ What is the most popular Linux of them all] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729044112/https://www.zdnet.com/article/whats-the-most-popular-linux-of-them-all/ |date=July 29, 2020 }}, Vaughn-Nichols, ZDNet, April 2018</ref> [[Software:Knoppix|Knoppix]], first released in the year 2000 and one of the first distributions optimized to [[Software:Live USB|boot from external storage]]; and [[Software:Devuan|Devuan]], which gained attention in 2014 when it forked in disagreement over Debian's adoption of the [[Software:Systemd|systemd]] software suite, and has been mirroring Debian releases since 2017.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hoffman|first1=Chris|title=Meet Devuan, the Debian fork born from a bitter systemd revolt|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2854717/meet-devuan-the-debian-fork-born-from-a-bitter-systemd-revolt.html|website=PCWorld|access-date=13 December 2014|archive-date=December 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209075125/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2854717/meet-devuan-the-debian-fork-born-from-a-bitter-systemd-revolt.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Phoronix>{{cite web|last1=Larabel|first1=Michael|title=Devuan: Debian Without Systemd|url=https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTg1MDQ|website=Phoronix|access-date=14 December 2014|archive-date=December 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211004528/http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTg1MDQ|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Software:Linux Mint|Linux Mint]] Debian Edition (''[[Software:Linux Mint|LMDE]]'') uses Debian Stable as the software source base since 2014.

=== Derivatives and flavors ===

Debian is one of the most popular Linux distributions, and many other distributions have been created from the Debian codebase.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Vaughan-Nichols|first=Steven J.|date=2009-12-16|title=The Five Distros That Changed Linux|url=http://www.linux-mag.com/id/7651/|magazine=Linux Magazine|access-date=2013-02-14|archive-date=June 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616121917/http://www.linux-mag.com/id/7651/|url-status=usurped}}</ref> {{As of|2021}}, DistroWatch lists 121 active Debian derivatives.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://distrowatch.com/search.php?ostype=All&category=All&origin=All&basedon=Debian&notbasedon=None&desktop=All&architecture=All&status=Active|title=Based on Debian, status active|publisher=DistroWatch|access-date=2018-04-08|archive-date=October 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023055752/http://distrowatch.com/search.php?ostype=All&category=All&origin=All&basedon=Debian&notbasedon=None&desktop=All&architecture=All&status=Active|url-status=live}}</ref> The Debian project provides its derivatives with guidelines for best practices and encourages derivatives to merge their work back into Debian.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wiki.debian.org/Derivatives/Guidelines?action=recall&rev=1|title=Derivatives Guidelines|last=Halchenko|first=Yaroslav|date=2010-12-21|publisher=Debian Wiki|access-date=2014-10-17|archive-date=October 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021063228/https://wiki.debian.org/Derivatives/Guidelines?action=recall&rev=1|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn |Hertzog |2013 |p=429}}

[[Software:Debian Pure Blend|Debian Pure Blend]]s are subsets of a Debian release configured out-of-the-box for users with particular skills and interests.<ref name="debian-pure-blends">{{cite web |url = http://blends.debian.org/blends/ch02.html#Blends |work = Debian Pure Blends |title = Chapter 2. What are Debian Pure Blends? |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-05-27 |archive-date = May 27, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140527215131/http://blends.debian.org/blends/ch02.html#Blends |url-status = live }}</ref> For example, Debian Jr. is made for children, while Debian Science is for researchers and scientists.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/devel/debian-jr/ |title = Debian Jr. Project |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-04-30 |access-date = 2014-06-16 |archive-date = October 11, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111011024525/http://www.debian.org/devel/debian-jr/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The complete Debian distribution includes all available Debian Pure Blends.<ref name="debian-pure-blends" /> "Debian Blend" (without "Pure") is a term for a Debian-based distribution that strives to become part of mainstream Debian, and have its extra features included in future releases.<ref>{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-blends/2011/07/msg00010.html |title = Re: Difference between blends and remastered systems |last = Armstrong |first = Ben |publisher = Debian |mailing-list = debian-blends |date = 2011-07-06 |access-date = 2014-06-16 |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706182017/https://lists.debian.org/debian-blends/2011/07/msg00010.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

====Debian GNU/Hurd====
[[File:Hurd-logo.svg|thumb|upright=0.5|Logo of GNU Hurd]]
[[File:Debian GNU HURD XFCE desktop screenshot.png|thumb|left|Debian GNU/Hurd running on Xfce]]

Debian GNU/Hurd is a flavor based on the [[Software:GNU Hurd|Hurd]] operating system (which, in turn, runs on the [[Software:GNU Mach|GNU Mach]] [[Microkernel|microkernel]]), instead of Linux. Debian GNU/Hurd has been in development since 1998,<ref>{{cite mailing list |title = debian-hurd@lists.debian.org is up! |url = http://lists.debian.org/debian-hurd/1998/07/msg00000.html |access-date = 10 September 2009 |archive-date = October 18, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181018224515/https://lists.debian.org/debian-hurd/1998/07/msg00000.html |url-status = live }}</ref> and made a formal release in May 2013, with 78% of the software packaged for Debian GNU/Linux ported to the GNU Hurd.<ref>{{cite web |title = A comparison between Debian GNU/hurd and Debuan Gnu/kFreeBSD |url = https://www.wikivs.com/wiki/Debian_GNU/Hurd_vs_Debian_GNU/kFreeBSD |access-date = 23 November 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151124034001/https://www.wikivs.com/wiki/Debian_GNU/Hurd_vs_Debian_GNU/kFreeBSD |archive-date = 24 November 2015 }}</ref> Hurd is not yet an official Debian release, and is maintained and developed as an unofficial port. Debian GNU/Hurd is distributed as an installer CD (running the official Debian installer) or ready-to-run virtual disk image (Live CD, [[Software:Live USB|Live USB]]). The CD uses the [[IA-32]] architecture, making it compatible with [[IA-32]] and [[X86-64|x86-64]] PCs. The current version of Debian GNU/Hurd is 2023, published in June 2023.<ref name="news">{{cite web|title=News about Debian GNU/Hurd|url=https://www.debian.org/ports/hurd/hurd-news|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618001824/https://www.debian.org/ports/hurd/hurd-news |archive-date=June 18, 2023|access-date=June 18, 2023}}</ref>

====Debian GNU/kFreeBSD====
[[File:Horned logo.svg|thumb|upright=0.5|Logo of Debian GNU/kFreeBSD]]
Debian GNU/kFreeBSD is a discontinued<ref>{{cite mailing list|url=https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2014/11/msg00005.html|title=Release Team Sprint Results|date=2014-11-09|mailing-list=debian-devel-announce|first=Jonathan|last=Wiltshire|access-date=January 10, 2017|archive-date=February 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221051409/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2014/11/msg00005.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Debian flavor. It used the [[Software:FreeBSD|FreeBSD]] [[Software:Kernel (operating system)|kernel]] and [[Software:GNU|GNU]] [[User space|userland]]. The majority of software in Debian GNU/kFreeBSD was built from the same sources as Debian, with some kernel packages from [[Software:FreeBSD|FreeBSD]]. The ''k'' in ''kFreeBSD'' is an abbreviation for ''kernel'', which refers to the FreeBSD kernel. Before discontinuing the project, Debian maintained i386 and amd64 ports. The last version of Debian kFreeBSD was Debian 8 (Jessie) RC3. Debian GNU/kFreeBSD was created in 2002.<ref>{{Cite mailing list|url=https://lists.debian.org/debian-bsd/2002/01/msg00000.html|title=Chrooted NetBSD environment available for testing|date=2002-01-06|mailing-list=debian-bsd|first=Matthew|last=Garrett|access-date=December 17, 2019|archive-date=September 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906012153/https://lists.debian.org/debian-bsd/2002/01/msg00000.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It was included in Debian 6.0 (Squeeze) as a technology preview, and in Debian 7.0 (Wheezy) as an official port. Debian GNU/kFreeBSD was discontinued as an officially supported platform as of Debian 8.0. Debian developers cited [[Software:Open Sound System|OSS]], [[Software:PF (firewall)|pf]], [[FreeBSD jail|jails]], [[Network Driver Interface Specification|NDIS]], and [[ZFS]] as reasons for being interested in the FreeBSD kernel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wiki.debian.org/Debian_GNU/kFreeBSD_why|title=Debian_GNU/kFreeBSD_why|website=Debian Wiki|date=2011-10-05|access-date=2013-07-05|archive-date=February 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222164624/https://wiki.debian.org/Debian_GNU/kFreeBSD_why|url-status=live}}</ref> It has not been updated since Debian 8.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.debian.org/ports/kfreebsd-gnu/ |title=Debian GNU/kFreeBSD |work=Debian.org |access-date=May 26, 2014 |archive-date=May 31, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531011403/http://www.debian.org/ports/kfreebsd-gnu/ |url-status=live }}</ref> From July 2019, the operating system continues to be maintained unofficially.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lists.debian.org/debian-bsd/2019/07/threads.html|title=debian-bsd Jul 2019 by thread|website=lists.debian.org|access-date=2019-07-31|archive-date=July 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190731204052/https://lists.debian.org/debian-bsd/2019/07/threads.html|url-status=live}}</ref>As of July 2023, the development of Debian GNU/kFreeBSD has officially terminated due to the lack of interest and developers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 July 2023 |title=Debian official announcement |url=https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2023/07/msg00176.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927064527/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2023/07/msg00176.html |archive-date=27 September 2023 |access-date=27 November 2023}}</ref>

== See also ==

* [[Software:Armbian|Armbian]]
* [[Software:CalyxOS|CalyxOS]]
* [[Software:Comparison of Linux distributions|Comparison of Linux distributions]]
* [[Software:Comparison of mobile operating systems|Comparison of mobile operating systems]]
* [[Software:Debian version history|Debian version history]]
* List of Debian project leaders
* [[Engineering:List of open-source mobile phones|List of open source mobile phones]]
* [[Software:Pop! OS|Pop! OS]]
* [[Software:PureOS|PureOS]]
* [[Software:Ubuntu Touch|Ubuntu Touch]]
* [[Software:Mobian|Mobian]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* {{cite book|last=Coleman|first=E. Gabriella|title=Coding Freedom: The Ethics and Aesthetics of Hacking|url=https://archive.org/details/codingf_col_2013_00_9193|url-access=registration|year=2013|publisher=Princeton University Press|isbn=978-0-691-14461-0}}
* {{cite book |last = Hertzog |first = Raphaël |title = The Debian Administrator's Handbook |publisher = Freexian |year = 2013 |url = http://debian-handbook.info/browse/stable/sect.release-lifecycle.html |isbn = 979-10-91414-03-6 |access-date = 2014-06-22 }}
* {{cite book|last=Krafft|first=Martin F.|title=The Debian System: Concepts and Techniques|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CLC36PmPVtAC|year=2005|publisher=No Starch Press|isbn=978-1-59327-069-8}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.techiwiki.info/post/debian-vs-arch-linux-what-is-the-difference-between-the-two-major-types-of-linux-distributions Debian vs Arch Linux] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211152629/https://www.techiwiki.info/post/debian-vs-arch-linux-what-is-the-difference-between-the-two-major-types-of-linux-distributions |date=February 11, 2022 }} at [http://techiwiki.info TechiWiki]
* {{DistroWatch|debian|NAME=Debian GNU/Linux}}
* Fosdem 2022, [https://archive.fosdem.org/2022/schedule/event/mobile_mobian/ 2 Years of Mobian Birth and growth of a mobile Linux distribution]

{{Linux distributions}}
{{Software in the Public Interest}}


[[Category:ARM Linux distributions]]
[[Category:Free software culture and documents]]
[[Category:IA-32 Linux distributions]]
[[Category:Power ISA Linux distributions]]
[[Category:PowerPC Linux distributions]]
[[Category:X86-64 Linux distributions]]
[[Category:Linux distributions]]

{{Sourceattribution|Debian}}