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What is the difference between 'contrib' and 'non-free' packages repositories?



Announcing the arrival of Valued Associate #679: Cesar Manara
Planned maintenance scheduled April 17/18, 2019 at 00:00UTC (8:00pm US/Eastern)
2019 Community Moderator Election Results
Why I closed the “Why is Kali so hard” questionI can't use or find the google debian unstable/sid repositoryTrouble migrating from Yum to apt-getHow to find Debian packages that would free up the most spaceuninitialized constant XML::SaxParser / Error retrieving bug reports from the serverDifference between Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) and Debian with CinnamonBuilding and installing packages from unstableDebian stretch package system breaks when non-free addedHow to pass extra flags to the configure utility to a package from the Debian repositories?Maintaining a local Arch repositoryHow to delete all non-free or contrib packages?



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16















Although I like Debian for various reasons, it is not always easy to find some documentation on specific aspects of this distribution and its policies.



My question is: what is the difference between contrib and non-free packages repositories?



From the little explanations I could find, if I am not mistaken:




  • non-free is for packages whose licences are not free


  • contrib for dependencies of non-free packages (which make them not part of Debian)

But it seems odd to me to have two repositories for, so to speak, the same purpose, which is making available non free software inside Debian.



I would like to know if I am missing something here.










share|improve this question




























    16















    Although I like Debian for various reasons, it is not always easy to find some documentation on specific aspects of this distribution and its policies.



    My question is: what is the difference between contrib and non-free packages repositories?



    From the little explanations I could find, if I am not mistaken:




    • non-free is for packages whose licences are not free


    • contrib for dependencies of non-free packages (which make them not part of Debian)

    But it seems odd to me to have two repositories for, so to speak, the same purpose, which is making available non free software inside Debian.



    I would like to know if I am missing something here.










    share|improve this question
























      16












      16








      16








      Although I like Debian for various reasons, it is not always easy to find some documentation on specific aspects of this distribution and its policies.



      My question is: what is the difference between contrib and non-free packages repositories?



      From the little explanations I could find, if I am not mistaken:




      • non-free is for packages whose licences are not free


      • contrib for dependencies of non-free packages (which make them not part of Debian)

      But it seems odd to me to have two repositories for, so to speak, the same purpose, which is making available non free software inside Debian.



      I would like to know if I am missing something here.










      share|improve this question














      Although I like Debian for various reasons, it is not always easy to find some documentation on specific aspects of this distribution and its policies.



      My question is: what is the difference between contrib and non-free packages repositories?



      From the little explanations I could find, if I am not mistaken:




      • non-free is for packages whose licences are not free


      • contrib for dependencies of non-free packages (which make them not part of Debian)

      But it seems odd to me to have two repositories for, so to speak, the same purpose, which is making available non free software inside Debian.



      I would like to know if I am missing something here.







      debian repository debian-policy






      share|improve this question













      share|improve this question











      share|improve this question




      share|improve this question










      asked Apr 1 at 16:53









      ParadoxParadox

      517418




      517418




















          3 Answers
          3






          active

          oldest

          votes


















          26














          non-free packages are packages not complying to the Debian Free Software Guidelines definition. E.g.:



          nvidia-driver which provides a proprietary driver.



          contrib packages are packages that do comply with the DFSG, but depend on non-free packages, or which depend on some non-free software downloaded (by the package or having to be downloaded manually) to work properly. So they don't end up in main. E.g.:



          bumblebee-nvidia which while DFSG compliant, isn't really useful without the non-free package nvidia-driver, so it's put in the contrib section, or



          vice which requires to download (while respecting copyrights and laws) ROMs to work properly.



          If somebody doesn't want to or can't use non-free software, that person most probably doesn't need or won't be able to use software depending on it, so it's more useful to put them separately in a contrib section. That person won't even have to download the contrib section.



          UPDATE: the software in contrib, and its sources are still available for free use. Interesting parts could be reused in an other project, or the non-free (or non available) parts it depends upon could be replaced (e.g.: replace graphics, music etc. assets for a game engine in contrib). Having it separate from non-free helps to know which parts can be reused.



          trivia: the Open Source Definition was initially created by removing any mention of Debian in DFSG.






          share|improve this answer




















          • 2





            I don't really understand the benefit to either Debian or its users of seperating non-free and contrib. What is the actual advantage gained? As an end-user who doesn't care if a program contains non-free code, both non-free and contrib are fine by me. As an end-user who does care, both are off-limits for me. What is the actual advantage?

            – MechMK1
            Apr 2 at 8:40






          • 1





            Like MechMK1, I am puzzled by this, and, even if I should have maybe have it written clearer in my question, that is also an aspect I would like to an answer to.

            – Paradox
            Apr 2 at 9:12






          • 1





            You can reuse and modify code from contrib to adapt it to an other project, because the source is available as any source from "main". You probably can't do this when it's from non-free, either the source licence doesn't let you do enough, or there is no source at all. If the end user is a "normal" end user who doesn't attempt to do anything beside what is distributed, I can imagine contrib and non-free would look the same

            – A.B
            Apr 2 at 10:18







          • 3





            Also sometimes you can replace the non-free parts by free parts. The kind of thing that could be done in theory with some game engines in contrib and their assets (graphics, music...) in non-free or nowhere. The split made it clear it was possible to do this.

            – A.B
            Apr 2 at 10:31


















          9














          Defined on the Debian Policy Manual:



          2.2.2. The contrib archive area




          The contrib archive area contains supplemental packages intended to work with the Debian distribution, but which require software outside of the distribution to either build or function.



          Every package in contrib must comply with the DFSG.



          In addition, the packages in contrib



          • must not be so buggy that we refuse to support them, and


          • must meet all policy requirements presented in this manual.


          Examples of packages which would be included in contrib are:



          free packages which require contrib, non-free packages or packages which are not in our archive at all for compilation or execution, and



          wrapper packages or other sorts of free accessories for non-free programs.




          2.2.3. The non-free archive area




          The non-free archive area contains supplemental packages intended to work with the Debian distribution that do not comply with the DFSG or have other problems that make their distribution problematic. They may not comply with all of the policy requirements in this manual due to restrictions on modifications or other limitations.



          Packages must be placed in non-free if they are not compliant with the DFSG or are encumbered by patents or other legal issues that make their distribution problematic.



          In addition, the packages in non-free



          • must not be so buggy that we refuse to support them, and


          • must meet all policy requirements presented in this manual that it is
            possible for them to meet.




          Further reading:



          • Philosophy of the GNU Project


          • Categories of free and nonfree software


          • When Free Software Depends on Nonfree


          • Explaining Why We Don't Endorse Other Systems






          share|improve this answer
































            2














            https://www.debian.org/doc/debian-policy/ch-archive#s-contrib




            The contrib archive area contains supplemental packages intended to work with the Debian distribution, but which require software outside of the distribution to either build or function.




            This software could very well be software that is not available in main despite being free. You just can't get it from debian.






            share|improve this answer























            • It's not that you "cannot get it from Debian", it's just not part of the Debian distribution per se.

              – Paradox
              Apr 4 at 12:01











            Your Answer








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            3 Answers
            3






            active

            oldest

            votes








            3 Answers
            3






            active

            oldest

            votes









            active

            oldest

            votes






            active

            oldest

            votes









            26














            non-free packages are packages not complying to the Debian Free Software Guidelines definition. E.g.:



            nvidia-driver which provides a proprietary driver.



            contrib packages are packages that do comply with the DFSG, but depend on non-free packages, or which depend on some non-free software downloaded (by the package or having to be downloaded manually) to work properly. So they don't end up in main. E.g.:



            bumblebee-nvidia which while DFSG compliant, isn't really useful without the non-free package nvidia-driver, so it's put in the contrib section, or



            vice which requires to download (while respecting copyrights and laws) ROMs to work properly.



            If somebody doesn't want to or can't use non-free software, that person most probably doesn't need or won't be able to use software depending on it, so it's more useful to put them separately in a contrib section. That person won't even have to download the contrib section.



            UPDATE: the software in contrib, and its sources are still available for free use. Interesting parts could be reused in an other project, or the non-free (or non available) parts it depends upon could be replaced (e.g.: replace graphics, music etc. assets for a game engine in contrib). Having it separate from non-free helps to know which parts can be reused.



            trivia: the Open Source Definition was initially created by removing any mention of Debian in DFSG.






            share|improve this answer




















            • 2





              I don't really understand the benefit to either Debian or its users of seperating non-free and contrib. What is the actual advantage gained? As an end-user who doesn't care if a program contains non-free code, both non-free and contrib are fine by me. As an end-user who does care, both are off-limits for me. What is the actual advantage?

              – MechMK1
              Apr 2 at 8:40






            • 1





              Like MechMK1, I am puzzled by this, and, even if I should have maybe have it written clearer in my question, that is also an aspect I would like to an answer to.

              – Paradox
              Apr 2 at 9:12






            • 1





              You can reuse and modify code from contrib to adapt it to an other project, because the source is available as any source from "main". You probably can't do this when it's from non-free, either the source licence doesn't let you do enough, or there is no source at all. If the end user is a "normal" end user who doesn't attempt to do anything beside what is distributed, I can imagine contrib and non-free would look the same

              – A.B
              Apr 2 at 10:18







            • 3





              Also sometimes you can replace the non-free parts by free parts. The kind of thing that could be done in theory with some game engines in contrib and their assets (graphics, music...) in non-free or nowhere. The split made it clear it was possible to do this.

              – A.B
              Apr 2 at 10:31















            26














            non-free packages are packages not complying to the Debian Free Software Guidelines definition. E.g.:



            nvidia-driver which provides a proprietary driver.



            contrib packages are packages that do comply with the DFSG, but depend on non-free packages, or which depend on some non-free software downloaded (by the package or having to be downloaded manually) to work properly. So they don't end up in main. E.g.:



            bumblebee-nvidia which while DFSG compliant, isn't really useful without the non-free package nvidia-driver, so it's put in the contrib section, or



            vice which requires to download (while respecting copyrights and laws) ROMs to work properly.



            If somebody doesn't want to or can't use non-free software, that person most probably doesn't need or won't be able to use software depending on it, so it's more useful to put them separately in a contrib section. That person won't even have to download the contrib section.



            UPDATE: the software in contrib, and its sources are still available for free use. Interesting parts could be reused in an other project, or the non-free (or non available) parts it depends upon could be replaced (e.g.: replace graphics, music etc. assets for a game engine in contrib). Having it separate from non-free helps to know which parts can be reused.



            trivia: the Open Source Definition was initially created by removing any mention of Debian in DFSG.






            share|improve this answer




















            • 2





              I don't really understand the benefit to either Debian or its users of seperating non-free and contrib. What is the actual advantage gained? As an end-user who doesn't care if a program contains non-free code, both non-free and contrib are fine by me. As an end-user who does care, both are off-limits for me. What is the actual advantage?

              – MechMK1
              Apr 2 at 8:40






            • 1





              Like MechMK1, I am puzzled by this, and, even if I should have maybe have it written clearer in my question, that is also an aspect I would like to an answer to.

              – Paradox
              Apr 2 at 9:12






            • 1





              You can reuse and modify code from contrib to adapt it to an other project, because the source is available as any source from "main". You probably can't do this when it's from non-free, either the source licence doesn't let you do enough, or there is no source at all. If the end user is a "normal" end user who doesn't attempt to do anything beside what is distributed, I can imagine contrib and non-free would look the same

              – A.B
              Apr 2 at 10:18







            • 3





              Also sometimes you can replace the non-free parts by free parts. The kind of thing that could be done in theory with some game engines in contrib and their assets (graphics, music...) in non-free or nowhere. The split made it clear it was possible to do this.

              – A.B
              Apr 2 at 10:31













            26












            26








            26







            non-free packages are packages not complying to the Debian Free Software Guidelines definition. E.g.:



            nvidia-driver which provides a proprietary driver.



            contrib packages are packages that do comply with the DFSG, but depend on non-free packages, or which depend on some non-free software downloaded (by the package or having to be downloaded manually) to work properly. So they don't end up in main. E.g.:



            bumblebee-nvidia which while DFSG compliant, isn't really useful without the non-free package nvidia-driver, so it's put in the contrib section, or



            vice which requires to download (while respecting copyrights and laws) ROMs to work properly.



            If somebody doesn't want to or can't use non-free software, that person most probably doesn't need or won't be able to use software depending on it, so it's more useful to put them separately in a contrib section. That person won't even have to download the contrib section.



            UPDATE: the software in contrib, and its sources are still available for free use. Interesting parts could be reused in an other project, or the non-free (or non available) parts it depends upon could be replaced (e.g.: replace graphics, music etc. assets for a game engine in contrib). Having it separate from non-free helps to know which parts can be reused.



            trivia: the Open Source Definition was initially created by removing any mention of Debian in DFSG.






            share|improve this answer















            non-free packages are packages not complying to the Debian Free Software Guidelines definition. E.g.:



            nvidia-driver which provides a proprietary driver.



            contrib packages are packages that do comply with the DFSG, but depend on non-free packages, or which depend on some non-free software downloaded (by the package or having to be downloaded manually) to work properly. So they don't end up in main. E.g.:



            bumblebee-nvidia which while DFSG compliant, isn't really useful without the non-free package nvidia-driver, so it's put in the contrib section, or



            vice which requires to download (while respecting copyrights and laws) ROMs to work properly.



            If somebody doesn't want to or can't use non-free software, that person most probably doesn't need or won't be able to use software depending on it, so it's more useful to put them separately in a contrib section. That person won't even have to download the contrib section.



            UPDATE: the software in contrib, and its sources are still available for free use. Interesting parts could be reused in an other project, or the non-free (or non available) parts it depends upon could be replaced (e.g.: replace graphics, music etc. assets for a game engine in contrib). Having it separate from non-free helps to know which parts can be reused.



            trivia: the Open Source Definition was initially created by removing any mention of Debian in DFSG.







            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer








            edited Apr 2 at 11:51

























            answered Apr 1 at 17:13









            A.BA.B

            6,17711131




            6,17711131







            • 2





              I don't really understand the benefit to either Debian or its users of seperating non-free and contrib. What is the actual advantage gained? As an end-user who doesn't care if a program contains non-free code, both non-free and contrib are fine by me. As an end-user who does care, both are off-limits for me. What is the actual advantage?

              – MechMK1
              Apr 2 at 8:40






            • 1





              Like MechMK1, I am puzzled by this, and, even if I should have maybe have it written clearer in my question, that is also an aspect I would like to an answer to.

              – Paradox
              Apr 2 at 9:12






            • 1





              You can reuse and modify code from contrib to adapt it to an other project, because the source is available as any source from "main". You probably can't do this when it's from non-free, either the source licence doesn't let you do enough, or there is no source at all. If the end user is a "normal" end user who doesn't attempt to do anything beside what is distributed, I can imagine contrib and non-free would look the same

              – A.B
              Apr 2 at 10:18







            • 3





              Also sometimes you can replace the non-free parts by free parts. The kind of thing that could be done in theory with some game engines in contrib and their assets (graphics, music...) in non-free or nowhere. The split made it clear it was possible to do this.

              – A.B
              Apr 2 at 10:31












            • 2





              I don't really understand the benefit to either Debian or its users of seperating non-free and contrib. What is the actual advantage gained? As an end-user who doesn't care if a program contains non-free code, both non-free and contrib are fine by me. As an end-user who does care, both are off-limits for me. What is the actual advantage?

              – MechMK1
              Apr 2 at 8:40






            • 1





              Like MechMK1, I am puzzled by this, and, even if I should have maybe have it written clearer in my question, that is also an aspect I would like to an answer to.

              – Paradox
              Apr 2 at 9:12






            • 1





              You can reuse and modify code from contrib to adapt it to an other project, because the source is available as any source from "main". You probably can't do this when it's from non-free, either the source licence doesn't let you do enough, or there is no source at all. If the end user is a "normal" end user who doesn't attempt to do anything beside what is distributed, I can imagine contrib and non-free would look the same

              – A.B
              Apr 2 at 10:18







            • 3





              Also sometimes you can replace the non-free parts by free parts. The kind of thing that could be done in theory with some game engines in contrib and their assets (graphics, music...) in non-free or nowhere. The split made it clear it was possible to do this.

              – A.B
              Apr 2 at 10:31







            2




            2





            I don't really understand the benefit to either Debian or its users of seperating non-free and contrib. What is the actual advantage gained? As an end-user who doesn't care if a program contains non-free code, both non-free and contrib are fine by me. As an end-user who does care, both are off-limits for me. What is the actual advantage?

            – MechMK1
            Apr 2 at 8:40





            I don't really understand the benefit to either Debian or its users of seperating non-free and contrib. What is the actual advantage gained? As an end-user who doesn't care if a program contains non-free code, both non-free and contrib are fine by me. As an end-user who does care, both are off-limits for me. What is the actual advantage?

            – MechMK1
            Apr 2 at 8:40




            1




            1





            Like MechMK1, I am puzzled by this, and, even if I should have maybe have it written clearer in my question, that is also an aspect I would like to an answer to.

            – Paradox
            Apr 2 at 9:12





            Like MechMK1, I am puzzled by this, and, even if I should have maybe have it written clearer in my question, that is also an aspect I would like to an answer to.

            – Paradox
            Apr 2 at 9:12




            1




            1





            You can reuse and modify code from contrib to adapt it to an other project, because the source is available as any source from "main". You probably can't do this when it's from non-free, either the source licence doesn't let you do enough, or there is no source at all. If the end user is a "normal" end user who doesn't attempt to do anything beside what is distributed, I can imagine contrib and non-free would look the same

            – A.B
            Apr 2 at 10:18






            You can reuse and modify code from contrib to adapt it to an other project, because the source is available as any source from "main". You probably can't do this when it's from non-free, either the source licence doesn't let you do enough, or there is no source at all. If the end user is a "normal" end user who doesn't attempt to do anything beside what is distributed, I can imagine contrib and non-free would look the same

            – A.B
            Apr 2 at 10:18





            3




            3





            Also sometimes you can replace the non-free parts by free parts. The kind of thing that could be done in theory with some game engines in contrib and their assets (graphics, music...) in non-free or nowhere. The split made it clear it was possible to do this.

            – A.B
            Apr 2 at 10:31





            Also sometimes you can replace the non-free parts by free parts. The kind of thing that could be done in theory with some game engines in contrib and their assets (graphics, music...) in non-free or nowhere. The split made it clear it was possible to do this.

            – A.B
            Apr 2 at 10:31













            9














            Defined on the Debian Policy Manual:



            2.2.2. The contrib archive area




            The contrib archive area contains supplemental packages intended to work with the Debian distribution, but which require software outside of the distribution to either build or function.



            Every package in contrib must comply with the DFSG.



            In addition, the packages in contrib



            • must not be so buggy that we refuse to support them, and


            • must meet all policy requirements presented in this manual.


            Examples of packages which would be included in contrib are:



            free packages which require contrib, non-free packages or packages which are not in our archive at all for compilation or execution, and



            wrapper packages or other sorts of free accessories for non-free programs.




            2.2.3. The non-free archive area




            The non-free archive area contains supplemental packages intended to work with the Debian distribution that do not comply with the DFSG or have other problems that make their distribution problematic. They may not comply with all of the policy requirements in this manual due to restrictions on modifications or other limitations.



            Packages must be placed in non-free if they are not compliant with the DFSG or are encumbered by patents or other legal issues that make their distribution problematic.



            In addition, the packages in non-free



            • must not be so buggy that we refuse to support them, and


            • must meet all policy requirements presented in this manual that it is
              possible for them to meet.




            Further reading:



            • Philosophy of the GNU Project


            • Categories of free and nonfree software


            • When Free Software Depends on Nonfree


            • Explaining Why We Don't Endorse Other Systems






            share|improve this answer





























              9














              Defined on the Debian Policy Manual:



              2.2.2. The contrib archive area




              The contrib archive area contains supplemental packages intended to work with the Debian distribution, but which require software outside of the distribution to either build or function.



              Every package in contrib must comply with the DFSG.



              In addition, the packages in contrib



              • must not be so buggy that we refuse to support them, and


              • must meet all policy requirements presented in this manual.


              Examples of packages which would be included in contrib are:



              free packages which require contrib, non-free packages or packages which are not in our archive at all for compilation or execution, and



              wrapper packages or other sorts of free accessories for non-free programs.




              2.2.3. The non-free archive area




              The non-free archive area contains supplemental packages intended to work with the Debian distribution that do not comply with the DFSG or have other problems that make their distribution problematic. They may not comply with all of the policy requirements in this manual due to restrictions on modifications or other limitations.



              Packages must be placed in non-free if they are not compliant with the DFSG or are encumbered by patents or other legal issues that make their distribution problematic.



              In addition, the packages in non-free



              • must not be so buggy that we refuse to support them, and


              • must meet all policy requirements presented in this manual that it is
                possible for them to meet.




              Further reading:



              • Philosophy of the GNU Project


              • Categories of free and nonfree software


              • When Free Software Depends on Nonfree


              • Explaining Why We Don't Endorse Other Systems






              share|improve this answer



























                9












                9








                9







                Defined on the Debian Policy Manual:



                2.2.2. The contrib archive area




                The contrib archive area contains supplemental packages intended to work with the Debian distribution, but which require software outside of the distribution to either build or function.



                Every package in contrib must comply with the DFSG.



                In addition, the packages in contrib



                • must not be so buggy that we refuse to support them, and


                • must meet all policy requirements presented in this manual.


                Examples of packages which would be included in contrib are:



                free packages which require contrib, non-free packages or packages which are not in our archive at all for compilation or execution, and



                wrapper packages or other sorts of free accessories for non-free programs.




                2.2.3. The non-free archive area




                The non-free archive area contains supplemental packages intended to work with the Debian distribution that do not comply with the DFSG or have other problems that make their distribution problematic. They may not comply with all of the policy requirements in this manual due to restrictions on modifications or other limitations.



                Packages must be placed in non-free if they are not compliant with the DFSG or are encumbered by patents or other legal issues that make their distribution problematic.



                In addition, the packages in non-free



                • must not be so buggy that we refuse to support them, and


                • must meet all policy requirements presented in this manual that it is
                  possible for them to meet.




                Further reading:



                • Philosophy of the GNU Project


                • Categories of free and nonfree software


                • When Free Software Depends on Nonfree


                • Explaining Why We Don't Endorse Other Systems






                share|improve this answer















                Defined on the Debian Policy Manual:



                2.2.2. The contrib archive area




                The contrib archive area contains supplemental packages intended to work with the Debian distribution, but which require software outside of the distribution to either build or function.



                Every package in contrib must comply with the DFSG.



                In addition, the packages in contrib



                • must not be so buggy that we refuse to support them, and


                • must meet all policy requirements presented in this manual.


                Examples of packages which would be included in contrib are:



                free packages which require contrib, non-free packages or packages which are not in our archive at all for compilation or execution, and



                wrapper packages or other sorts of free accessories for non-free programs.




                2.2.3. The non-free archive area




                The non-free archive area contains supplemental packages intended to work with the Debian distribution that do not comply with the DFSG or have other problems that make their distribution problematic. They may not comply with all of the policy requirements in this manual due to restrictions on modifications or other limitations.



                Packages must be placed in non-free if they are not compliant with the DFSG or are encumbered by patents or other legal issues that make their distribution problematic.



                In addition, the packages in non-free



                • must not be so buggy that we refuse to support them, and


                • must meet all policy requirements presented in this manual that it is
                  possible for them to meet.




                Further reading:



                • Philosophy of the GNU Project


                • Categories of free and nonfree software


                • When Free Software Depends on Nonfree


                • Explaining Why We Don't Endorse Other Systems







                share|improve this answer














                share|improve this answer



                share|improve this answer








                edited Apr 2 at 9:44

























                answered Apr 1 at 17:19









                GAD3RGAD3R

                28.3k1958114




                28.3k1958114





















                    2














                    https://www.debian.org/doc/debian-policy/ch-archive#s-contrib




                    The contrib archive area contains supplemental packages intended to work with the Debian distribution, but which require software outside of the distribution to either build or function.




                    This software could very well be software that is not available in main despite being free. You just can't get it from debian.






                    share|improve this answer























                    • It's not that you "cannot get it from Debian", it's just not part of the Debian distribution per se.

                      – Paradox
                      Apr 4 at 12:01















                    2














                    https://www.debian.org/doc/debian-policy/ch-archive#s-contrib




                    The contrib archive area contains supplemental packages intended to work with the Debian distribution, but which require software outside of the distribution to either build or function.




                    This software could very well be software that is not available in main despite being free. You just can't get it from debian.






                    share|improve this answer























                    • It's not that you "cannot get it from Debian", it's just not part of the Debian distribution per se.

                      – Paradox
                      Apr 4 at 12:01













                    2












                    2








                    2







                    https://www.debian.org/doc/debian-policy/ch-archive#s-contrib




                    The contrib archive area contains supplemental packages intended to work with the Debian distribution, but which require software outside of the distribution to either build or function.




                    This software could very well be software that is not available in main despite being free. You just can't get it from debian.






                    share|improve this answer













                    https://www.debian.org/doc/debian-policy/ch-archive#s-contrib




                    The contrib archive area contains supplemental packages intended to work with the Debian distribution, but which require software outside of the distribution to either build or function.




                    This software could very well be software that is not available in main despite being free. You just can't get it from debian.







                    share|improve this answer












                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer










                    answered Apr 2 at 18:55









                    Malvin ButterfingerMalvin Butterfinger

                    1211




                    1211












                    • It's not that you "cannot get it from Debian", it's just not part of the Debian distribution per se.

                      – Paradox
                      Apr 4 at 12:01

















                    • It's not that you "cannot get it from Debian", it's just not part of the Debian distribution per se.

                      – Paradox
                      Apr 4 at 12:01
















                    It's not that you "cannot get it from Debian", it's just not part of the Debian distribution per se.

                    – Paradox
                    Apr 4 at 12:01





                    It's not that you "cannot get it from Debian", it's just not part of the Debian distribution per se.

                    – Paradox
                    Apr 4 at 12:01

















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