kiwi-ng

Kiwi-ng is a command line tool that is used for building Linux distributions. It is designed to provide a simple and efficient way to create customized and lightweight Linux images.

The tool uses a configuration file called a "kiwi description" to define the desired components, packages, and settings for the distribution. These configurations can be easily customized to meet specific requirements.

Kiwi-ng supports various target platforms, including virtualized environments like KVM, Xen, and VMWare, as well as physical devices such as ARM boards and Raspberry Pi.

The tool integrates with other open-source technologies like systemd and dracut to enable system initialization and service management. It also utilizes the powerful PackageKit framework for package management.

Kiwi-ng provides advanced features like image rollback, allowing users to revert to previous system states if needed. It supports both the RPM and DEB package management systems, making it flexible for different distributions.

With Kiwi-ng, it is possible to create deployment-ready images that can be distributed as ISO files, virtual machine images, or even container images. This makes it suitable for various use cases, including system provisioning, cloud deployment, and IoT devices.

The tool emphasizes security by offering options for enabling various security features, such as AppArmor and SELinux. It also supports encryption and signing of images for secure deployment.

Kiwi-ng has a vibrant community and active development, ensuring continuous improvements and bug fixes. It is widely used and adopted by many Linux distributions and projects for their image building needs.

The tool is well-documented with extensive user guides and tutorials, making it easy for new users to get started. It also has a command-line interface that allows for automation and integration into existing build pipelines.

Overall, Kiwi-ng is a powerful and flexible command line tool for building customized Linux distributions, offering a wide range of features and capabilities for creating lightweight and secure images.