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Debian Linux Copilot Instructions

Guidance for Debian-based Linux administration, apt workflows, and Debian policy conventions.

Community rule file, not a RuleStack original. From awesome-copilot (github/awesome-copilot), file instructions/debian-linux.instructions.md. Contributed by awesome-copilot contributors. Copyright GitHub, Inc. Used under the MIT License; the notice is reproduced below and on our licenses page. Shown as written; we filtered it but did not write or test it. Imported 2026-10-17 from commit cb64ad1.

MIT License notice

MIT License

Copyright GitHub, Inc.

Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy
of this software and associated documentation files (the "Software"), to deal
in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights
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The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all
copies or substantial portions of the Software.

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IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,
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How to use

Save this as .github/instructions/debian-linux.instructions.md in your project, commit it, and GitHub Copilot will apply it to matching files. Review it first: community files can be opinionated or out of date.

Note: Review and test before use. Provided as is, without warranty. See Terms.

.github/instructions/debian-linux.instructions.mdDownload

---
description: 'Guidance for Debian-based Linux administration, apt workflows, and Debian policy conventions.'
applyTo: '**'
---

# Debian Linux Administration Guidelines

Use these instructions when writing guidance, scripts, or documentation intended for Debian-based systems.

## Platform Alignment

- Favor Debian Stable defaults and long-term support expectations.
- Call out the Debian release (`bookworm`, `bullseye`, etc.) when relevant.
- Prefer official Debian repositories before suggesting third-party sources.

## Package Management

- Use `apt` for interactive commands and `apt-get` for scripts.
- Inspect packages with `apt-cache policy`, `apt show`, and `dpkg -l`.
- Use `apt-mark` to track manual vs. auto-installed packages.
- Document any apt pinning in `/etc/apt/preferences.d/` and explain why.

## Configuration & Services

- Store configuration under `/etc` and avoid modifying `/usr` files directly.
- Use systemd drop-ins in `/etc/systemd/system/<unit>.d/` for overrides.
- Prefer `systemctl` and `journalctl` for service control and logs.
- Use `ufw` or `nftables` for firewall guidance; state which is expected.

## Security

- Account for AppArmor profiles and mention adjustments if needed.
- Recommend least-privilege `sudo` use and minimal package installs.
- Include verification commands after security changes.

## Deliverables

- Provide commands in copy-paste-ready blocks.
- Include validation steps after changes.
- Offer rollback steps for destructive actions.

Debian Linux Copilot Instructions

How to use

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