How to Install and Use Mist – The AUR‑Like Package Helper for Debian/Ubuntu

Mist: AUR‑Like Helper for Debian/Ubuntu

Mist is a helper for the MPR (makedeb Package Repository) that provides additional software for Debian‑based distributions such as Debian and Ubuntu. It mirrors the Arch User Repository (AUR) workflow, using the same PKGBUILD format but building DEB packages.

How to Install the Mist Helper

First install the makedeb tool, which is required for the MPR repository. Run the following commands in order:

wget -qO - 'https://proget.hunterwittenborn.com/debian-feeds/makedeb.pub' | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/makedeb-archive-keyring.gpg >/dev/null
echo 'deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/makedeb-archive-keyring.gpg arch=all] https://proget.hunterwittenborn.com/ makedeb main' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/makedeb.list
sudo apt update
sudo apt install makedeb

Then add the pre‑built MPR repository and install Mist:

curl -q 'https://proget.makedeb.org/debian-feeds/prebuilt-mpr.pub' | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/prebuilt-mpr-archive-keyring.gpg >/dev/null
echo "deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/prebuilt-mpr-archive-keyring.gpg] https://proget.makedeb.org prebuilt-mpr $(lsb_release -cs)" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/prebuilt-mpr.list
sudo apt update
sudo apt install mist

Using Mist Commands

The basic syntax is mist install <package-name>. For example: mist install freetube-bin Other sub‑commands work similarly to APT or DNF and include:

clone : clone a package from MPR

comment : add a comment on a package page

help : display help for a command

install : install a package from APT or MPR

list : list available packages

list-comments : list comments for a package

remove : remove a package

search : search APT/MPR packages

update : update the APT cache

upgrade : upgrade installed packages

whoami : show the authenticated user

Mist is still early in development, so occasional issues may arise, but the author promises future improvements.