faked-sysv

faked-sysv name start|stop|restart|reload|force-reload|status

name
    The name of the service (usually matches the name of init script).

start
    Simulates starting the service.

stop
    Simulates stopping the service.

restart
    Simulates restarting the service.

reload
    Simulates reloading the service configuration.

force-reload
    Simulates a forced reload of the service configuration.

status
    Simulates checking the status of the service.

The `faked-sysv` command is a helper utility primarily used by `dpkg` during package installation and removal processes. It provides a way to simulate the behavior of System V init scripts, which are traditionally used to manage services on Linux systems. However, `faked-sysv` allows `dpkg` to work even when the system is not using System V init, or when it's desirable to avoid directly interacting with the actual init system during package management.

Specifically, `faked-sysv` takes arguments that mimic the parameters passed to a System V init script (e.g., `start`, `stop`, `restart`, `reload`). Instead of actually executing those actions, it returns a status code indicating success, allowing `dpkg` to proceed under the assumption that the service management commands have been successfully executed. This avoids dependency conflicts and allows for more portable package management across different init systems or environments.

Because it merely simulates the actions of System V init scripts, and does not directly interact with the running processes, it will not result in actual changes to service states. It is designed to be used primarily during package installation or removal procedures when `dpkg` expects an init system to exist.

The command does NOT actually start, stop, or restart any service. It only simulates the execution of init scripts. Therefore it is only safe to use in the context of package management tools such as dpkg.

The command usually returns an exit status of 0 to indicate success. Specific exit status may vary depending on the action simulated but it is intended only for use by package management tools.

While it should rarely if ever be used by general users, can be useful in automated testing environments and build systems when you need to perform package installation without actually affecting system services.

The `faked-sysv` command was created as a part of `dpkg` to improve the handling of init scripts across different systems. Before `faked-sysv`, `dpkg` heavily relied on System V init scripts, which posed problems on systems that used other init systems (e.g., systemd). `faked-sysv` was introduced to decouple `dpkg` from requiring actual interaction with the init system during package installation, making `dpkg` more versatile and portable across various Linux distributions and init systems. Its main aim is to provide backward compatibility while allowing newer init systems to function seamlessly.

dpkg(1), update-rc.d(8)