Version Control /etc With etckeeper
Put system configuration under git and commit changes automatically.
Run sudo etckeeper vcs status to see uncommitted changes in /etc.
01Command
Command
$ sudo etckeeper vcs status02What it does
etckeeper initialises a repository in /etc, hooks into package management to commit before and after upgrades, and lets you diff or revert configuration changes with ordinary VCS commands. It turns 'what changed?' into a git log.
03Risk
!Warning: Version history can contain secrets stored in /etc; protect the repository and never push it to a public remote.
04Undo
✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.
05Sources
- etckeeperEvidence: Debian packages etckeeper, which stores /etc in git or another VCS and commits on package changes.
- Debian package: etckeeperEvidence: Debian packages etckeeper, which stores /etc in git or another VCS and commits on package changes.
Last verified: 2026-09-22 · Category: System & Settings
06Related solutions
Copy and Sync Files with rsync
rsync copies over SSH, skips unchanged files, resumes interrupted transfers, and preserves permissions and timestamps.
View and Override Unit Files with systemctl cat/edit
systemctl cat reveals a service's unit file plus every drop-in override; systemctl edit creates overrides without touching vendor files.