How can I analyze this debian package before installing it?

Question

Before installing it, I'm curious about how much information I can get just by analyzing the debian package.

I would love to know exactly what is going to be installed and where.

is this possible?

http://askubuntu.com/questions/97667/what-precautions-should-i-take-with-debs-i-find-on-the-internet -- or search the site for deb security — , Feb 02 '12 at 03:07

score 7 · Accepted Answer · edited Oct 03 '14 at 18:04

7

If you want this from the commandline, use dpkg-deb:

dpkg-deb --extract some-package.deb /directory/to/unpack

dpkg-deb --control some-package.deb /directory/to/unpack/DEBIAN

This should leave a directory structure similar to what you'd be able to see in gdebi.

edited Oct 03 '14 at 18:04

Community

answered Feb 02 '12 at 03:02

roadmr

but what if it installs to /etc/default? will it be forced to create that in /directory/to/unpack? – Blankman Feb 03 '12 at 01:40
No, it creates the directories it needs, so in this case /directory/to/unpack/etc will be created. Try it, it's harmless! Just don't point it at your root, i.e. don't dpkg-deb --extract pack.deb / – roadmr Feb 03 '12 at 02:10

score 2 · Answer 2 · edited Feb 14 '17 at 21:26

2

Yes this is very possible.

Install Gdebi

sudo apt-get install gdebi

gdebi screenshot

Open Gdebi, then open the Debian package from File > Open.

edited Feb 14 '17 at 21:26

Zanna

answered Feb 02 '12 at 02:33

RolandiXor

2 Answers2