# Devuan

> Linux distribution based on Debian without systemd init system

**Wikidata**: [Q18601928](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18601928)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devuan)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/devuan

## Summary
Devuan is a Linux distribution based on Debian that excludes the systemd init system. It was created as an alternative to Debian for users who prefer not to use systemd, maintaining compatibility with Debian packages and software while providing a systemd-free environment.

## Key Facts
- **Based on Debian**: Devuan is derived from Debian but removes the systemd init system.
- **Founded by Dyne Foundation**: The distribution was developed by the Dyne Foundation, an Italian nonprofit organization.
- **Stable Versions**: Devuan has released stable versions including Beowulf (3.0.0), Chimaera (4.0.0), Daedalus (5.0.0), and Excalibur (6.0.0).
- **License**: Devuan is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL).
- **Package Management**: Uses the Debian package management system (APT).
- **Website**: Official site is [devuan.org](https://devuan.org/).
- **Mastodon Address**: Devuan has a Mastodon account at [devuan@toot.community](https://toot.community/@devuan).
- **Source Code**: Source code is hosted on [git.devuan.org](https://git.devuan.org/).
- **Public Key Fingerprint**: Devuan's primary signing key is `72E3 CB77 3315 DFA2 E464 743D 9453 2124 5419 22FB`.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Devuan, and why was it created?
A: Devuan is a Linux distribution based on Debian that excludes the systemd init system. It was created to provide a systemd-free alternative for users who prefer not to use systemd while maintaining compatibility with Debian packages and software.

### Q: How does Devuan differ from Debian?
A: Devuan is derived from Debian but removes the systemd init system. It maintains compatibility with Debian packages and software, offering a systemd-free environment.

### Q: Who develops Devuan?
A: Devuan is developed by the Dyne Foundation, an Italian nonprofit organization.

### Q: What are the latest stable versions of Devuan?
A: The latest stable versions include Beowulf (3.0.0), Chimaera (4.0.0), Daedalus (5.0.0), and Excalibur (6.0.0).

### Q: Where can I find Devuan's source code?
A: Devuan's source code is hosted on [git.devuan.org](https://git.devuan.org/).

## Why It Matters
Devuan plays a significant role in the Linux ecosystem by providing a systemd-free alternative to Debian. It caters to users who prefer not to use systemd, offering a stable and compatible environment. The distribution maintains compatibility with Debian packages and software, making it an attractive option for those seeking a systemd-free experience. Devuan's development by the Dyne Foundation ensures ongoing support and community engagement, contributing to its relevance in the Linux community.

## Notable For
- **Systemd-Free**: Devuan is notable for its exclusion of the systemd init system, appealing to users who prefer alternative init systems.
- **Debian Compatibility**: Maintains compatibility with Debian packages and software, ensuring a familiar user experience.
- **Community-Driven**: Developed by the Dyne Foundation, a nonprofit organization, ensuring community engagement and support.
- **Stable Releases**: Regular stable releases, including Beowulf, Chimaera, Daedalus, and Excalibur, demonstrate ongoing development and maintenance.
- **Open Source**: Licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), ensuring open-source principles are upheld.

## Body
### Origins and Development
Devuan was created by the Dyne Foundation, an Italian nonprofit organization, to provide a systemd-free alternative to Debian. The distribution was developed to cater to users who prefer not to use systemd while maintaining compatibility with Debian packages and software.

### Versions and Releases
Devuan has released several stable versions, including:
- **Beowulf (3.0.0)**: Released on June 1, 2020.
- **Chimaera (4.0.0)**: Released on October 14, 2021.
- **Daedalus (5.0.0)**: Released on August 15, 2023.
- **Excalibur (6.0.0)**: Scheduled for release on November 2, 2025.

### Technical Details
- **Package Management**: Devuan uses the Debian package management system (APT).
- **Source Code**: Source code is hosted on [git.devuan.org](https://git.devuan.org/).
- **Public Key Fingerprint**: Devuan's primary signing key is `72E3 CB77 3315 DFA2 E464 743D 9453 2124 5419 22FB`.

### Community and Support
- **Mastodon Address**: Devuan has a Mastodon account at [devuan@toot.community](https://toot.community/@devuan).
- **Lemmy Community**: Devuan has a Lemmy community at [devuan@fed.dyne.org](https://fed.dyne.org/c/devuan).

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Devuan",
  "description": "Linux distribution based on Debian without systemd init system",
  "url": "https://devuan.org/",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7715973", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devuan"],
  "additionalType": "LinuxDistribution"
}

## References

1. [2020](https://devuan.org/os/announce/beowulf-stable-announce-060120)
2. [2021](https://www.devuan.org/os/announce/beowulf-point-release-announce-021421)
3. [Devuan Chimaera 4.0 stable release. 2021](https://www.devuan.org/os/announce/chimaera-release-announce-2021-10-14)
4. [Devuan Daedalus 5.0 stable release](https://www.devuan.org/os/announce/daedalus-release-announce-2023-08-14)
5. [Devuan Excalibur 6 stable release. 2025](https://www.devuan.org/os/announce/excalibur-release-announce-2025-11-02)
6. [DEVUAN EXCALIBUR 6.1.0 POINT-RELEASE. 2026](https://lists.dyne.org/lurker/message/20260102.015856.3514fb19.en.html)
7. [Source](https://www.devuan.org/os/source-code)
8. Quora
9. [Devuan Keyring](https://devuan.org/os/keyring)
10. [Source](https://devuan.org/os/keyring)
11. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Devuan-NPV6R6)