Use Debian as a persistent environment

Install the package once:

cpak install github.com/containerpak/debian

Create an environment and open Bash:

cpak environment create --name Debian --origin github.com/containerpak/debian
cpak environment shell --environment Debian --command /bin/bash

The shell runs as root inside the environment, so Debian packages can be installed normally:

apt update
apt install git build-essential

Persistent storage

Installed packages, system configuration and the private home directory remain available after the shell closes or the environment stops. Host files, desktop services and devices stay unavailable unless you grant them through the environment settings.

Manage the environment

cpak environment list
cpak environment inspect --environment Debian
cpak environment processes --environment Debian
cpak environment stop --environment Debian

Deleting the environment also deletes its installed packages, system changes and private home:

cpak environment delete --environment Debian