Use the tool that owns the state you intend to change. Similar-looking commands from another distribution may have different semantics.
| Command | State owned | Typical use | Verify with |
|---|---|---|---|
xbps-install -S |
Repository indexes | Refresh package metadata. | Repeat search or update. |
xbps-install -Su |
Installed package set | Upgrade the system. | Run again; inspect xcheckrestart. |
xbps-query -Rs |
Package search | Search remote repositories. | Inspect package metadata. |
xbps-query -f |
Package ownership | Find files provided by a package. | Inspect the listed path. |
xbps-remove |
Installed package set | Remove a package. | Read transaction and query package state. |
xbps-reconfigure -f |
Package hooks | Regenerate locale/initramfs/configuration. | Check generated state or reboot. |
xbps-pkgdb -m hold |
Update policy | Hold one package. | Record the hold and inspect package state. |
sv up/down/restart/status |
runit service state | Control a service. | sv status. |
ln -s /etc/sv/... /var/service/ |
Service enablement | Enable a service at boot. | readlink /var/service/<service>. |
ip link |
Interface link state | Identify names and up/down state. | ip addr. |
ip route |
Kernel routing table | Check default route. | Route and reachability test. |
rfkill list |
Radio block state | Check wireless hardware/software block. | Recheck after unblock. |
ss -tulpn |
Listening sockets | Review network exposure. | Identify owner and intended service. |
mount -a |
Current mount state | Test fstab entries. |
findmnt. |
vkpurge list |
Removable kernel files | List old kernels. | Keep current and known-good kernel. |
wpctl status |
PipeWire graph/session | Check WirePlumber and devices. | pactl info if Pulse interface is enabled. |
uname -r |
Running kernel | Confirm the booted kernel. | Compare with installed packages. |