Re: Is it safe to remove debconf cache files in isar system

[Baurzhan Ismagulov <ibr@radix50.net>]

On Mon, Feb 14, 2022 at 07:35:19PM +0000, Venkata.Pyla@toshiba-tsip.com wrote:
> >I am working to fix some reproducible build failures in isar system, as part of
> >this I wanted to know some ideas to fix it.
...
> >Part of the debconf db file where the difference is found
> >(/var/cache/debconf/config.dat)
> >Build1:
...
> > NEW = /etc/locale.nopurge.29308
> >
> >Build2:
...
> > NEW = /etc/locale.nopurge.19132
> >
> >The probable solution I am thinking of is:
> >1. remove the debconf cache files (rm -f /var/cache/debconf/*)
> >2. Fix the debconf in such a way it generates same package configuration on every build

For (1), https://debiananwenderhandbuch.de/debconf.html suggests that those may
be deleted, but questions would be asked during later package updates. If this
is important, maybe it could be workarounded by unattended installation.

(2) would be for sure a better approach. Debian does have a reproducible build
group and might be interested in that. That said, till now I've seen the effort
directed at reproducible packages, not a reproducible installation.

I think debconf people are the best who could answer this. If you don't like
debian-user, you may want to ask at
https://alioth-lists.debian.net/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/reproducible-builds .

With kind regards,
Baurzhan.