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Using Distrobox for Non-Debian Distributions

If you're using a non-Debian Linux distribution (such as Fedora, Arch, openSUSE, etc.), you can use Distrobox to create a Debian container and follow the standard setup instructions.

What is Distrobox?

Distrobox is a tool that lets you create and manage containerized Linux environments that integrate seamlessly with your host system. Unlike traditional containers, Distrobox containers share your home directory to allow collaboration with the host system. You can edit the code in your favorite editor and build the project in the container using those same files.

This makes it perfect for development work where you need a specific distribution's tooling.

Installing Distrobox

Fedora:

sudo dnf install distrobox

Arch Linux:

sudo pacman -S distrobox

openSUSE:

sudo zypper install distrobox

Setting up the Debian Container

1. Create the container

Create a Debian container. It can be named anything but for this example we use sly1-dev:

distrobox create --name sly1-dev --init --image debian:latest --additional-packages "git"

This downloads the latest Debian image and creates a new container.

2. Enter the container

distrobox enter sly1-dev

The first time you enter, Distrobox will set up the container environment.

3. Verify you're in the container

Your terminal prompt should change to indicate you're in the container (typically showing user@sly1-dev). You can further verify with:

cat /etc/os-release

Which should show Debian information.

Following the Setup Instructions

Once inside the container, you can follow the README instructions.

Again, your home directory is shared between the host and container, so you can clone the repository using either.

Exiting the Container

When you're done working, simply exit the container:

exit

Or press Ctrl+D.

Working with the Container

Re-entering the container

Whenever you want to build the project, just enter the container again:

distrobox enter sly1-dev
cd ~/path/to/sly1

Running commands from outside

You can also run commands inside the container without entering it:

distrobox enter sly1-dev -- ./scripts/build.sh

Stopping the container

Containers are automatically stopped when not in use. To manually stop:

distrobox stop sly1-dev

Removing the container

If you need to start fresh:

distrobox rm sly1-dev

This deletes the container and any packages installed within it. You will need to complete the setup instructions again if you create a new container.

Troubleshooting

Run.sh is not finding PCSX2

If PCSX2 is installed on the host system via package manager the container will not be able to find it. Either exit the container or install PCSX2 in a way the container can access, such as the container package manager, Flatpak or AppImage.