instmodsh

Since `instmodsh` is an internal utility, its synopsis reflects how it's invoked by `modprobe` rather than a user:

instmodsh <kernel_version> <modprobe_path> <modprobe_args...> -- <module_name> <module_args...>

The `--` separator is crucial, distinguishing `modprobe`'s options from the module's arguments. Users generally do not execute this command directly.

kernel_version
    The specific Linux kernel version (e.g., 5.15.0-86-generic) for which the module operation is being performed.

modprobe_path
    The full path to the `modprobe` binary that invoked `instmodsh`.

modprobe_args...
    Additional arguments originally passed to the `modprobe` command, which are then passed on to the module's installation script.

--
    A mandatory separator indicating the end of `modprobe`-specific arguments and the beginning of module-specific arguments.

module_name
    The name of the kernel module being installed or operated upon.

module_args...
    Any arguments specifically intended for the kernel module itself, passed to its installation command.

instmodsh is an internal helper script used by the `modprobe` utility, which is part of the `kmod` package. It is not intended for direct user invocation.

Its primary role is to prepare and manage the shell environment for the execution of kernel module installation scripts. When `modprobe` needs to load a module, especially one with complex dependencies or `install`/`remove` commands defined in `/etc/modprobe.d/` configuration files, `instmodsh` is invoked.

It sets up crucial environment variables and passes the necessary arguments, such as the kernel version, the path to `modprobe` itself, and arguments intended for the module's installation or removal commands. Essentially, `instmodsh` acts as an intermediary, ensuring that the module's `install` or `remove` commands (often `insmod` or `rmmod`) are executed within the correct context, allowing `modprobe` to handle complex module loading scenarios, including module stacking and custom installation routines. It plays a vital role in the robust and dependency-aware management of Linux kernel modules.

`instmodsh` is an internal utility of the `kmod` package (which includes `modprobe`). It is not designed for direct user interaction and its behavior or arguments might change between `kmod` versions without backward compatibility guarantees for direct use.

Debugging issues related to module loading often involves tracing the execution flow of `modprobe` and its helper scripts, rather than directly invoking `instmodsh`. Its primary function is to provide a controlled environment for `modprobe`'s operations, making it an essential but hidden part of the Linux kernel module management system.

`instmodsh` serves as a crucial component within the `kmod` utilities, acting as a bridge between the high-level `modprobe` command and the low-level execution of module installation or removal scripts. It ensures that the correct environment, including paths and arguments, is set up, allowing for the proper handling of module dependencies and custom configuration directives (e.g., `install` and `remove` commands in `modprobe.d` files). It is a testament to the modular and extensible design of Linux kernel module handling.

The functionality encapsulated by `instmodsh` originated as part of the `module-init-tools` package, which was responsible for managing Linux kernel modules. With the transition to the `kmod` project, `instmodsh` was integrated into this new, unified framework for kernel module tools.

Its development has focused on providing a robust and flexible environment for executing module installation and removal scripts, particularly as kernel module dependencies and custom loading procedures became more complex. It ensures that `modprobe` can effectively handle various configuration directives and dependencies defined for modules.

modprobe(8), insmod(8), rmmod(8), depmod(8), lsmod(8), kmod(8)