Re: Bug#115953: apt-get -d install <package> doesn't work as documented

[János Holányi <csani@lme.linux.hu>]

reopen 115953
thanks

Hi Jason,

> > It still smells fishy for me...

> > Please let me know how can I retrieve a set of
> dependency-conflict-free deb
> > files from the official debian archive - using 'standard' and existing
> Debian
> > tools -, without having to copy&paste the output of apt-get -d install
> <foo1>
> 
> wakko{root}/tmp/jnk#:> empty

that is, create 'empty' as an empty file ;)

> wakko{root}/tmp/jnk#mkdir partial   
> apt-get -d -o dir::state::status=./empty -o dir::cache::archives=./

> It can even run as non-root if you want.
Very nice!

I am asking that this procedure be put int he manpage or, at the very least,
into a FAQ, since it is not straight forward for the vast majority of Debian
users.
This procedure is excellent by the way and it does work like a charm and
performs what one would expect from 'apt-get -d install <foo>'.
I do accept it as a resolution to the 'true download-only feature', but I still
feel like this should be reflected also in the documentation of apt...


At the very least, it would maybe close also the following open bugs of apt:

#49420 #53227

Thanks a lot,

BR

János Holányi
Hungarian Association of Linux Users
Email: csani@lme.linux.hu