cups-genppdupdate

cups-genppdupdate [ -d ] [ -f ] [ -m ] [ -v ] [ ppd-file ]

-d
    Enables debug mode.
Provides more detailed output to standard error, useful for troubleshooting the update process.

-f
    Forces the update.
Instructs the command to force the PPD update even if no changes are detected between the existing PPD and the new driver information.

-m
    Updates from model/driver PPD.
Causes the utility to update PPDs using information found in a `driver.ppd` or `model.ppd` file, rather than relying on dynamic information from the `cups-driverd` daemon.

-v
    Enables verbose output.
Prints more information about the update process to standard output, including actions taken and files processed.

ppd-file
    Specifies a particular PPD file to update.
If provided, the command will attempt to update only this specific PPD file. If omitted, the command typically processes all relevant PPD files managed by CUPS.

The `cups-genppdupdate` command is a utility provided by the Common Unix Printing System (CUPS). Its primary function is to update PostScript Printer Description (PPD) files, which define the capabilities and features of printers. These PPD files are crucial for CUPS to correctly interact with and configure printing devices.

`cups-genppdupdate` is typically used to synchronize existing PPD files with updated information, often derived from a `driver.ppd` file, a `model.ppd` file, or directly from the `cups-driverd` daemon. This ensures that printer configurations remain current and accurate, reflecting any changes in driver capabilities or printer specifications.

It's often invoked internally by CUPS when printer drivers are updated or when new printer models are detected, helping to maintain a consistent and functional printing environment. While it can be run manually, its main purpose is to automate the PPD update process within the CUPS ecosystem, ensuring that printer options and features are correctly reported and utilized.

This command is primarily an internal CUPS utility, designed to be invoked by system processes or other CUPS components. It is generally not intended for direct manual execution by end-users.

Direct manual execution might require root privileges or specific CUPS user permissions, depending on the system's configuration. Incorrect usage or manual manipulation of PPD files without proper understanding can disrupt printing functionality and lead to unexpected behavior. The exact behavior and available options may vary slightly between different CUPS versions and Linux distributions.

PostScript Printer Description (PPD) files are fundamental to CUPS. They act as declarative configuration files that describe the capabilities of a PostScript printer, including supported paper sizes, resolutions, duplexing options, available input trays, and other device-specific features. `cups-genppdupdate` helps keep these definitions accurate and current, allowing CUPS to fully utilize printer capabilities.

This command is often called automatically by CUPS system scripts, service managers, or by the `cups-driverd` daemon when a printer driver is updated, new printer models are detected, or CUPS needs to re-evaluate the capabilities of an installed printer. This automation is key to maintaining a functional, flexible, and dynamic printing environment, minimizing manual configuration efforts.

`cups-genppdupdate` is part of the `cups-filters` project, which originated from the Common Unix Printing System (CUPS). Initially developed by Apple Inc., CUPS and its associated utilities, including this PPD updater, evolved as the printing landscape changed. When CUPS's development transitioned to OpenPrinting/Linux Foundation, `cups-filters` became a separate project to provide essential printing filters, drivers, and utilities, including this crucial PPD maintenance script. Its role has adapted to changes in CUPS's driver management, ensuring printer configurations remain up-to-date and compatible with evolving standards and hardware, facilitating dynamic printer configuration.

cupsd(8), lpadmin(8), ppd(5), cups-driverd(8), cups(7)