debconf-communicate

debconf-communicate [options]
Communicates with debconf by reading commands from standard input and writing replies to standard output.

-f, --frontend
    Specifies the debconf frontend to use (e.g., dialog, newt, noninteractive). This influences how debconf questions are presented and handled.

-t, --template
    Specifies a template file to read questions from. This is primarily used for debugging debconf templates.

-p, --protocol
    Specifies the debconf protocol version to use for communication (e.g., 2.0, 3.0). Newer versions may offer additional features.

-h, --help
    Displays a brief help message explaining command usage and options, then exits.

-v, --version
    Displays version information for the debconf-communicate program, then exits.

debconf-communicate provides a direct, low-level interface for programs and scripts to interact with the debconf configuration management system. It's not typically used by end-users directly, but rather by debconf frontends or for advanced scripting and debugging purposes. It operates by reading debconf commands from standard input (e.g., GET <template>, SET <template> <value>) and printing the corresponding responses to standard output, adhering to the debconf protocol. This allows for precise control over the configuration process, enabling scripts to retrieve, set, or modify debconf questions and their values without invoking dpkg or other higher-level tools. It's fundamental for custom frontends or automated configuration scripts.

This command provides a low-level interface and is primarily intended for debconf frontends, advanced scripting, or debugging. Direct use requires familiarity with the debconf protocol and its command syntax. It is not typically used for routine package configuration by end-users.

debconf-communicate serves as a direct wrapper around the debconf protocol. It reads various commands like GET, SET, INPUT, GO, etc., from standard input, processes them against the debconf database and frontend, and writes the results (e.g., return code and value) to standard output. This makes it a powerful tool for scripting complex debconf interactions, such as writing a custom debconf frontend or integrating debconf into non-standard deployment workflows where granular control over configuration is needed.

Debconf and its associated utilities like debconf-communicate are core components of the Debian package management system, designed to handle package configuration in a consistent and user-friendly manner across various frontends. debconf-communicate has been a fundamental part of the debconf package since its early days, serving as the communication backbone for frontends and scripts to interact with the debconf database. Its role remains crucial for customized configuration processes and automated deployments in Debian-based systems.

debconf(7), dpkg-reconfigure(8), debconf-set-selections(1), debconf-show(1)