mmdebstrap

mmdebstrap is a command line tool used in Debian-based operating systems for creating minimal Debian installations. It allows users to build custom Debian root file systems without the need for a pre-existing Debian installation.

The tool is highly flexible and offers numerous options for customizing the generated output. Users can specify target architecture, Debian release, chosen package suites, and additional packages to be included. It supports both local and remote package repositories, allowing seamless integration with existing package management systems.

mmdebstrap ensures minimal installations by avoiding the installation of recommended and suggested packages by default. Users can explicitly enable the installation of these packages if needed. It also provides options to define an initial set of installed packages or skip specific packages.

With mmdebstrap, users can create customized system images, chroot environments, or container images tailored to their specific needs. It is often used for building lightweight and specialized Debian derivatives or for creating reproducible build environments.

mmdebstrap utilizes the debootstrap program internally, which is a widely-used Debian installation tool. It leverages the powerful features of debootstrap while adding additional functionalities and improvements. Overall, mmdebstrap is a valuable tool for creating minimal Debian installations with ease and flexibility.