dch

Dch, often written as dch, refers to the Debian changelog helper, a command-line utility used in the Debian packaging workflow. It is part of the devscripts software collection and is used to manage the debian/changelog file contained in a source package. The tool assists maintainers in creating and updating changelog entries when preparing new package versions.

Dch is designed to enforce the Debian changelog format and to streamline the entry process. A maintainer can add a new entry by specifying the target version and distribution and by providing a concise description of changes. The tool can operate interactively, launching a text editor for composing the message, or be driven by command-line options for automation. Once the entry is written, the changelog becomes part of the source package and is used by build and release workflows to communicate changes to users and distributors.

In practice, dch is used in conjunction with other packaging tools such as dpkg-buildpackage and debhelper. It supports common packaging tasks, including updating the version string, marking urgency, and appending notes relevant to a given distribution. While primarily associated with Debian and its derivatives, the approach it embodies—systematic changelog maintenance—has influenced packaging workflows across other Linux distributions.

See also: devscripts, Debian, Ubuntu packaging tools, debian/changelog format.