Introduction to mkosi
mkosi is a versatile tool designed to create customized operating system (OS) images. This software stands out by wrapping around popular package managers like dnf, apt, pacman, and zypper to effortlessly generate disk images tailored to specific needs.
Installation
mkosi can be installed through several methods. Users can choose to install it from their distribution’s package manager, ensuring they get at least version 16 or newer. If a repository only holds an older version, alternative installation methods such as running mkosi directly from its git repository or through Python-based installations are recommended.
Running mkosi from the Repository
For those who prefer directly accessing mkosi’s latest version, they can clone its git repository and run it using a provided shim. By setting up an environment variable, users can select the Python interpreter of their choice to run mkosi. This shim can also be made easily accessible in the PATH by creating a symlink.
git clone https://github.com/systemd/mkosi
ln -s $PWD/mkosi/bin/mkosi /usr/local/bin/mkosi
mkosi --version
Python Installation Methods
mkosi is available for installation via Python tools like pipx, which places mkosi into a virtual environment. This method installs mkosi seamlessly and provides easy access through ~/.local/bin.
pipx install git+https://github.com/systemd/mkosi.git
mkosi --version
Alternatively, users can deploy mkosi as a zipapp, creating a portable binary that can be added anywhere in their PATH.
git clone https://github.com/systemd/mkosi
cd mkosi
tools/generate-zipapp.sh
builddir/mkosi --version
Users can also invoke mkosi directly using Python without packaging it as a zipapp, though they should note that mkosi is not designed to function as a standalone Python module.
kernel-install Plugin
mkosi can transform into a kernel-install plugin for building initial RAM disks (initrds). To activate this role, users need to place a specific file into the kernel install directory and configure necessary settings in predefined directories. Customizations are possible, allowing users to enhance their system’s initrd.
Development and Community Engagement
For developers looking to contribute to mkosi, tools like mypy for type checking and pytest for testing are needed. Continuous Integration (CI) tests and typing checks are conducted on GitHub, though they can also be run locally.
The mkosi community engages primarily on the Matrix platform, inviting new members to join discussions and development efforts. The project’s primary repository and additional resources, including detailed articles and talks on OS image generation, are available for further exploration.
For assistance and collaboration, users can connect via Matrix at #mkosi:matrix.org, where they can find support and share experiences with fellow mkosi enthusiasts.