deb (file format)
deb is the extension of the Debian software package format and the most often used name for such binary packages.
| Filename extension | .deb |
|---|---|
| Internet media type | application/vnd.debian.binary-package |
| Developed by | Debian |
| Type of format | Package management system |
| Container for | Software package |
Debian packages are also used in operating systems based on Debian.
Debian packages are standard Unix ar archives that include two gzipped or bzipped tar archives: one that holds the control information and another that contains the data.
The canonical program for handling these packages is dpkg, most commonly via apt/aptitude.
deb packages can be converted into other packages and vice versa using Alien.
Deb (file Format) Media
An icon from the GNOME-icon-theme.
Diagram showing a example .deb file structure. A visual of the package in a hex editor is available here.
Frhed hex editor displaying deb package
Related pages
Other websites
- Debian FAQ: Basics of the Debian package management systemArchived 2012-03-09 at the Wayback Machine
- Article on what to do with .deb files
- Gdebi
