util-linux

What util-linux is

util-linux is a collection of Linux utilities for Linux and self-hosted use. It is free and open source under the GPL-2.0 license, with a listed plan at no cost. The project documents builds with Autotools and Meson, and its configure script allows individual programs and their dependencies to be enabled or disabled. For mount(8), the build documentation names libmount, libblkid, and libuuid.

The project directs users to kernel.org for source archives. It describes stable branches as public releases and distinguishes maintenance releases from the continuously developed master branch; release tags are signed by the maintainer’s PGP key. Partition table support is listed for both types, and moving partitions is supported.

Developers and maintainers can use a mailing list and IRC channel. End users are directed to their Linux distribution for support. Bugs can be reported by email or through GitHub, with sensitive reports sent to the maintainer. The project’s security page lists advisories, including vulnerabilities published in 2026, and says it has not set up a SECURITY.md file.

Who it suits

util-linux suits Linux users and administrators who need a collection of system utilities, as well as builders who want to choose which programs and dependencies to include. It also fits developers and maintainers working with the project through its mailing list, IRC channel, or bug-reporting routes.

Getting started

1. Visit the util-linux project website on GitHub.
2. Download a source archive through kernel.org.
3. Choose Autotools or Meson for the build.
4. Use the configure script to enable or disable programs and their dependencies.
5. Build for Linux; the listed plan is free.

Verdict

Choose util-linux if you need a free Linux utility collection and value the option to select programs during a build. It also documents source archives, release branches, and maintainer channels. End users seeking distribution-specific help should turn to their Linux distribution.