Introduction to Devuan
Devuan is a Linux distribution that originated as an alternative to Debian, maintaining compatibility with its packages but removing systemd as the init and service manager. Since its appearance, it has attracted users who prefer a more traditional and simple init, based on SysVinit or OpenRC. This distro focuses on offering a stable, secure, and completely free system, respecting the principles of free software and avoiding dependencies that some consider excessive or invasive. In this article we will explore its history, its technical features, and the community that sustains it.
History and origin
The Devuan project arose in 2014, when a group of Debian developers and users expressed concern over the mandatory adoption of systemd in Debian’s stable branch. After an intense debate on the mailing lists, they decided to create a fork that would preserve the classic init behavior, offering an option for those who did not want to migrate to the new system. The first official release, Devuan 1.0 Jessie, was published in May 2017, based on Debian 8 and maintaining the original package repositories. Since then, each successive version has followed Debian’s development cycle, but with its own artwork, documentation, and adjustments to ensure that systemd is not installed by default.
Philosophy and objectives
Devuan’s philosophy is summarized in three pillars: freedom, simplicity, and transparency. Freedom because it seeks to offer a system where the user can choose the service manager they prefer, without imposing a single solution. Simplicity because it favors tools that are easy to understand and debug, such as SysVinit init scripts or the OpenRC manager, which are more accessible to experienced administrators. Transparency because it maintains an open development process, with public meetings and clear documentation, allowing anyone to follow the project’s progress and contribute according to their skills.
Technical features
- Full compatibility with Debian’s repositories, allowing the vast majority of packages to be installed without modifications.
- Multiple init options: the user can select SysVinit, OpenRC, or even runit during installation or change them later.
- Recent Linux kernel, with security patches applied promptly, maintaining the same level of protection as Debian.
- Default desktop environment based on XFCE, lightweight and customizable, although others such as GNOME, KDE, or LXQt can be installed without problems.
- Traditional configuration tools, such as
update-rc.dandservice, that work exactly as in pre‑systemd systems.
Package management and compatibility
Devuan uses the same package system as Debian: dpkg as backend and APT as frontend. This means that the commands apt update, apt upgrade, and apt install work identically, and Debian .deb files can be installed without needing to recompile. Devuan’s official repositories are mirrors of Debian’s, but with the difference that packages that depend exclusively on systemd have been adapted or removed. Likewise, users can add third‑party repositories, such as those for multimedia or proprietary drivers, without losing the guarantee of absence of systemd in the base system.
Community and support
Although smaller than Debian’s, the Devuan community is active and dedicated. There are official forums, mailing lists, IRC channels, and a Discord server where doubts are resolved, tricks are shared, and improvements are proposed. The project also maintains a detailed wiki covering everything from installation to advanced service configuration. LTS (Long Term Support) versions receive security updates for five years, aligning with Debian’s LTS calendar, which gives confidence to production environments requiring longevity and stability.
Conclusion
Devuan represents a solid option for those who value freedom of choice in their Linux operating system, especially regarding the init manager. Its close relationship with Debian guarantees access to a vast catalog of software, while its focus on avoiding systemd provides a more predictable and easy‑to‑administer environment for many users. If you are looking for a distribution that combines stability, compatibility, and free‑software principles without the complexities associated with systemd, it is worth trying Devuan and evaluating whether it fits your needs.
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