I continue the story about Linux, in fact about ArchLinux to be more precise. I have already mentioned that it is a distribution for enthusiasts and certainly for those with a little more experience. When I mention experience, it means a good knowledge of console work, directory structure, partitioning, in fact the entire Linux ecosystem. In this text, I will write about a script that makes it easier to install ArchLinux. It’s called Archfi and basicаlly is a TUI installer.
About Arch Linux and installation in general
When you download the ISO file with the installation of ArchLinux, you will notice that it is many times smaller in size compared to other distributions. This is because it does not contain a graphical installer, it does not come with a bunch of pre-installed software, such as a graphical environment, etc. After booting the disc, you only get a prompt from where all the fun starts. The keyboard layout is adjusted, the disk is partitioned, and the base system packages are downloaded. This is just a short list of things you need to do, you will see more details on the wiki pages which are very very thorough.
Archfi script – TUI installer
TUI is short for Terminal User Interface. This script will be most enjoyed by those who want to try ArchLinux, but have not dared so far due to the installation process itself. Now there is (although this has existed before) a way to install and configure ArchLinux from a console in a relatively simple way without having to type many commands and go through the default (painful) process.
After booting the ISO, you get a prompt. You download the script with a command that will be an part of this text, of course I will leave a link to the GitHab page. You never know, maybe I’ll need a reminder too 🙂 After that, the script starts and the installation process begins.
Impressions of the Archfi script
I tried the whole procedure and my impression is that this script is worth its weight in gold. I have already mentioned that it makes the installation process easier for less experienced users, and now I will add that it also makes it easier for experienced users like me. On several occasions, I simply overlooked some installation step, thinking that I knew the whole procedure by heart (excessive self-confidence is not a good thing), so I ended up with an incomplete and dysfunctional system.
Now that the possibility of error has been minimized, I have gone through the whole process step by step. Set up everything that is usually done, dragged the packages that I always install. In fact, Archfi allowed me to initially bring in packages that I would only later realize I needed, during everyday use. So after installing this script you get a complete system, as with any other distribution. For example. I’m talking about the packages needed for a printer, for connecting a mobile phone, network sharing, etc.
After installing the basic system, another script is run that allows you to select the graphical environment and specific user applications. Another great relief and a big plus for the Archfi installer. So far, I have written down what I installed, and now I just mark what I want from the list and just wait for it to be downloaded and installed. More time to enjoy coffee 🙂
Since everything is done with the privileges of the root user, Archifi also enables adding user accounts, which you will use later when logging in to the system, adding them to the sudoers file, etc.
A final word on the Archfi script
I presented some of the impressions I had, I used it a few days before I wrote the text, but I think I covered the basics. In short, it simplifies and shortens the installation process many times over, reduces the probability of errors, and this is enough to emphasize the value and advantage of the Archi script over the classic installation method. So go ahead and give it a try!
I promised to leave the commands that start the procedure:
curl -L archfi.sf.net/archfi > archfi
or:
curl -L matmoul.github.io/archfi > archfi
the first command is recommended and all that remains now is to run the script:
sh archfi
A more advanced variant exists and predicts that in addition to Archfi, you run your own script that will download and install the packages you define:
sh archfi -cpl {URL of your custom package list}