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util-linux
What it is
util-linux is a free, open-source collection of utilities for Linux and self-hosted systems. The project documents builds with Autotools and Meson, and its configure script can enable or disable individual programs together with their dependencies. Build documentation for mount(8) names libmount, libblkid, and libuuid. Source archives are directed through kernel.org. The project distinguishes publicly released stable branches and maintenance releases from the continuously developed master branch, and says release tags are signed with the maintainer’s PGP key. Its repository identifies the GPL-2.0 license. Developers and maintainers can use a mailing list and IRC channel. End users are directed to their Linux distribution for support, because the project lacks resources for distribution-specific help. Bugs can be reported by email or GitHub, with sensitive reports directed to the maintainer. The security page lists advisories, including vulnerabilities published in 2026, and says no SECURITY.md file has been set up. util-linux supports both partition table types, and moving partitions is listed as supported.
For and against
For
- Free GPL-2.0 open-source project
- Supports Autotools and Meson builds
- Selective program and dependency builds
- Source archives available through kernel.org
- Mailing list and IRC for maintainers
Against
- Linux and self-hosted only
- No SECURITY.md file is set up
- End-user support depends on Linux distributions
- Security advisories include 2026 vulnerabilities
The verdict
util-linux offers a configurable, source-available utility collection for Linux environments. Its established release process and developer channels are useful, but end-user support and security information require attention from users and distributors.
Who it suits
util-linux is for Linux users, system builders, and maintainers who need a broad set of command-line utilities. It also suits developers who want selectable builds and source-based distribution.
Plans and prices
util-linux
Linux utilities · source code available under GPL-2.0
Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Bug reports
- Bugs can be reported by email or through the GitHub issue tracker, with sensitive reports directed to the maintainer.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Build systems
- The project documents builds with Autotools and Meson.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Developer support
- The project provides a mailing list and IRC channel for developers and maintainers.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- End-user support
- The README recommends that end users seek support from their Linux distribution and says the project lacks resources for distribution-specific support.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Libraries
- The build documentation names libmount, libblkid, and libuuid as libraries used by mount(8).github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository identifies its license as GPL-2.0.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- util-linux is a collection of Linux utilities.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Release process
- The README describes stable branches as public releases and distinguishes maintenance releases from the continuously developed master branch.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Release signatures
- The README says all tags are signed by the maintainer’s PGP key.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Security advisories
- The project’s security page lists advisories affecting util-linux, including vulnerabilities published in 2026.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Security policy
- The GitHub security page says the project has not set up a SECURITY.md file.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Selective builds
- The configure script supports enabling or disabling individual programs and their dependencies.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Source downloads
- The project README directs users to kernel.org for source archives.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
