Snapshot and restore
Export installed packages and package sources to a readable file. Compare it against another system, then review and apply an import when you are ready.
Linux upgrade companion
Know what your workstation needs before you upgrade it.
Distrodeck is a terminal-first tool for snapshotting installed software and package sources, comparing that snapshot to a machine, and restoring it after a fresh install or distribution upgrade. It also puts common maintenance and developer-tool setup actions behind one interface.
distrodeck with no subcommand.What it does
Three practical workflows
Upgrade a distribution
Run a guided Ubuntu or Debian release upgrade. Distrodeck records state first, then restores its own APT sources, holds and PPAs after a successful upgrade.
Maintain a workstation
Update packages, apply available security updates, diagnose repository problems, clean old kernels and install a curated developer toolkit.
Command guide
The commands at a glance
Run distrodeck --help for the complete, version-specific option list. These are the main actions:
Record, compare, restore
export- Write installed packages and sources to an export file.
diff- Show what is missing or additional on the current system; supports detailed and JSON output.
import- Preview or reinstall packages and restore sources from an export.
Upgrade and update
upgrade- Perform a supported Ubuntu or Debian distribution upgrade.
update- Refresh package metadata and install normal updates.
security- Install available security updates, using the best-supported mechanism for the system.
cleanup-kernels- Remove eligible old kernels after review.
Check and repair
doctor- Report common configuration and package-management problems; JSON output is available.
preflight- Run upgrade readiness checks and manage its logs.
repo-repair- Disable broken legacy APT list entries and refresh repository keys.
Set up your environment
install-tools/--tools- Install or remove selected developer-tool categories.
sysinfo,net-tools,config-edit- Open focused system, network and configuration tasks.
Automate- Use the interactive menu to run supported ansible-pull automation.
A typical pre-upgrade sequence
distrodeck export --output pre-upgrade.txt
distrodeck diff --input pre-upgrade.txt --detailed
distrodeck import --input pre-upgrade.txt
distrodeck import --input pre-upgrade.txt --apply --update-sourcesThe first import is a preview. Add --apply only after checking its plan; --update-sources restores saved package sources alongside the packages.
What a snapshot can include
Packages and sources
APT packages, PPAs, legacy source lists and non-official repositories, including deb822 sources.
Other app ecosystems
Snap, Flatpak, AppImage and selected language/tool package managers where they are present.
Optional setup state
User tools, configuration, configuration files and services can be selected explicitly. User-tool exports are reference-only; service restoration requires its own apply option.
Read the full command reference and workflow overview on GitHub.