Linux Mint LMDE 5 repositories for MX Linux MX-21

[app4soft]

Is it safe to install packages from LMDE 5 repository into MX-21? (both distros are based on Debian 11 "bullseye")

• http://packages.linuxmint.com/list.php?release=elsie
• https://repology.org/repository/lmde_5

For example, I installed newer Xreader 3.6.3 package from LMDE 5 repo on my PC with MX-21 without issues:

• https://repology.org/project/xreader/version
• http://packages.linuxmint.com/pool/backport/x/xreader/

[wdscharff]

Mint is mainly Ubuntu and only indirectly Debian.

The problem is not necessarily the installation, but the first time you update, all hell can break loose.

Then, of course, it's a bit too late.

Foreign sources can have incalculable side and/or consequence effects.


So, it can go well ... but no one will give you a guarantee

[uncle mark]

Mint is mainly Ubuntu and only indirectly Debian.

While I wouldn't necessarily defend using those repos, note that the OP says they are from Mint LMDE -- i.e. Linux Mint Debian Edition, which (as I understand) is built on a Debian base, not an Ubuntu base.

[wdscharff]

It is nevertheless a "foreign source" , just google for the popular term FrankenDebian

From the point of view of Debian Stable, even original sources from the manufacturers' repos are foreign sources because they are not tested to the current stable version. This sometimes leads to instabilities.
Debian stable is not geared to "latest" but to "tested for this release".

He should just do it, preferably on a second installation, then the working system will be spared any unpleasant consequences (or he is a backup paranoiac like me and knows how to restore his system to its previous state within 15 minutes).

[jeffreyC]

A few months ago, starting from a live USB of an MX Cinnamon respin I added the LMDE repos to get the latest Cinnamon DE (the Mint team being the developers of Cinnamon).

The experiment worked, it did not break, though I admit I was careful in updating.

In the end I decided I like Xfce much better and reused the USB.

[FullScale4Me]

In checking in MX Package Installer I notice version 3.2.2 is present in the MX Test repo. What is it about version 3.6.3 makes it more desirable for you than 3.2.2?

On this page https://repology.org/project/xreader/versions I noticed that MX Developer and forum member @swamprabbit is listed as the MX Linux 'packager' of the 3.2.2 version.

Have you requested 3.6.3 be investigated by MX/him for re-packaging for MX Linux usage?

[Stevo]

They're probably compatible with the MX version based on the same Debian release, except for base system stuff like systemd, but if you break MX, you get to keep the pieces. Or just restore from backups.