GitHub - NICUP14/DebDroid: DebDroid - Debian on Android
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DebDroid - Debian on Android. Contribute to NICUP14/DebDroid development by creating an account on GitHub.

Hello guys! I’m happy to share DebDroid, a free and open-source project that aims to bring a real Debian environment to Android devices. It is not Termux-based, nor a simple proot-based wrapper, but a real, near-native chroot environment running on top of the Android kernel. The project is built around a heavily modified version of the Kali Nethunter’s script I’ve developed 3 years ago. This new version (DebDroid) brings greatly improved security, isolation and additional compatibility patches. It’s a project meant for tinkerers, hobbyists and power users. Why not Termux? Unlike Termux or Proot, which run Linux tools via Android-compiled binaries or user-space emulation, DebDroid runs a real Debian chroot directly on Android. It ships its own programs, libraries, patches and links key Android filesystems into the Debian environment, providing near-native Linux functionality and the ability to run almost any Debian-compatible program. What for? With DebDroid, you can repurpose an older Android device into an raspberry pi-style lightweight Debian server with near-native performance:

  • Run a network-level NAT/adblocker

  • Run web servers like <code>nginx</code> or <code>lighttpd</code>

  • Host a small <code>ssh</code> or <code>sftp</code> service

  • Use it for automation with <code>cron</code> or shell scripts

  • Experiment with Debian packages in a isolated environment

  • Run a X11 vnc server (WIP!)

Features:

  • glibc-based.
  • Small and portable.
  • No external dependencies.
  • Runs a minimal Debian Linux userland in a isolated chroot environment.
  • Mounts key Android system paths to provide near-native Linux functionality.
  • Employs <code>unshare</code> to isolate Android mountpoints from the chroot environment.
  • Supports <code>/dev</code> overlayfs, creating a writable layer over device files without modifying the real <code>/dev</code>.

Notes:

  • Works best on older Android versions (6–12).
  • DebDroid is still experimental and intended for exploration, learning, and hobby use.
  • GPU acceleration is currently not supported. (and might not even be possible)

Do not run DebDroid on your main (daily driver) phone! Contributors and testers are always welcome! Comments