Manual Interventions in Arch Linux

linux / arch

Arch Linux users often encounter .pacnew and .pacsave files during system updates or package removals. These files require manual intervention to ensure proper system configuration. This article explains why these files are created, how to locate them, and the best practices for managing them.

Why .pacnew and .pacsave Files are Created:

  1. .pacnew Files:

    • Created during package upgrades to avoid overwriting user-modified configuration files.
    • Pacman generates a warning message when creating these files.

  2. .pacsave Files:

    • Created during package removal or upgrades when a file is marked for backup.
    • Pacman notifies the user when creating these files.

The Purpose of These Files: These files prevent automatic overwriting of user-modified configurations, allowing users to manually merge changes and maintain system stability.

Locating .pacnew and .pacsave Files: To find these files, use the following command:

# find /etc -name '*.pacnew' -o -name '*.pacsave'

For a system-wide search, replace ‘/etc’ with ‘/’.

Managing .pacnew and .pacsave Files:

  1. Use Comparison Tools:

    • Utilize ‘meld’ or similar tools to compare and merge files.
    • Command:
      # meld /path/to/original/file /path/to/pacnew/file

  2. Manual Inspection:

    • Open both files in a text editor to review differences.
    • Carefully merge changes, preserving user settings while incorporating necessary updates.

  3. After Merging:

    • Once changes are merged, delete the .pacnew or .pacsave file.
    • This prevents confusion in future updates.

Best Practices:

  1. Address .pacnew and .pacsave files promptly after system updates or package removals.
  2. Regularly check for these files to maintain an up-to-date system configuration.
  3. Back up important configuration files before merging changes.
  4. Use version control systems for managing configuration files if desired.

Proper management of .pacnew and .pacsave files is crucial for maintaining a stable and properly configured Arch Linux system. By understanding their purpose and following best practices for handling them, users can ensure their system remains optimized and secure.

Remember: Always exercise caution when modifying system files, and if unsure, consult the Arch Linux documentation or community forums for guidance.