DietPi
Lightweight Debian-based OS for single-board computers
DietPi is an extremely lightweight Debian-based operating system optimized for single-board computers and small x86_64 systems. It focuses on minimal CPU/RAM usage while providing a streamlined, menu-driven experience for setup and ongoing management.
Key Features
- Optimized Debian-based images for many SBCs and virtual machine targets
- Menu-based system configuration via dietpi-config (whiptail/TUI)
- Curated, automated application installer via dietpi-software with sensible defaults
- Service management and process priority tuning via dietpi-services
- In-place OS updates via dietpi-update without reflashing images
- Unattended/automated provisioning using preconfiguration files (dietpi.txt)
Use Cases
- Building a low-resource home server (DNS, web stack, file sharing, monitoring)
- Running media, download, and home automation stacks on SBC hardware
- Rapidly provisioning repeatable SBC/VM deployments with automated installs
Limitations and Considerations
- Hardware enablement depends on the target platform; kernel/board-specific issues may fall outside DietPi support
DietPi is well-suited for homelabs and embedded deployments where resources are limited but flexibility is needed. Its tooling reduces manual Linux administration while keeping the system lean and highly configurable.
Categories:
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Tech Stack:
systemd
Debian
Linux
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