dh

Execute debhelper commands sequentially

$ dh [sequence]

$ dh build

$ dh clean

$ dh [sequence] --verbose

$ dh [sequence] --no-act

$ dh [sequence] --until [dh_auto_configure]

dh sequence [options] [debhelper-options]

dh is the debhelper sequence executor that runs a series of dh_* commands in the correct order for building Debian packages. It simplifies debian/rules files by automatically determining which commands to run.
The tool reads debian/rules overrides to customize behavior. Override targets (overridedh*) in debian/rules let maintainers modify specific steps. Addon support extends functionality for specific packaging scenarios.
dh significantly reduces boilerplate in debian/rules, replacing explicit command lists with simple sequence invocations that automatically handle most packaging tasks.

SEQUENCE

Build sequence: build, clean, install, binary, etc.

Enable verbose mode for all commands.

Show what would be done without executing.

Use specified addon (e.g., python3, systemd).

Disable specified addon.

Run until specified command.

Start after specified command.

Display help information.

Behavior depends on debhelper compatibility level (set in debian/compat or Build-Depends). Override syntax varies between compat levels. Some packages require explicit command sequences.

dh was introduced in debhelper v7 (2008) by Joey Hess to simplify Debian packaging. It enabled the "dh short form" rules files that dramatically reduced packaging complexity.

debhelper(7), dpkg-buildpackage(1), dh_make(8)