I've just set up a new installation of Debian Trixie on my Raspberry Pi 4. I've been using Linux for a while, mostly for basic tasks similar to what you'd do on Windows, but haven't delved into the more customizable aspects. Recently, I learned about dotfiles and wanted to tweak my UI with a set I found on GitHub. I tried to use 'stow' to symlink those dotfiles to my new Debian setup, but nothing seems to be changing. I've rebooted, re-linked, and even started over with a fresh install, but no luck! I've consumed tons of guides and videos without figuring it out. Is there something I'm missing?
4 Answers
Just a tip: each time your startup apps don’t launch, check the terminal for error messages after running them. Usually, it's due to outdated arguments or missing components. Keeping an eye on that can save you tons of headaches!
No, dotfiles aren’t inherently hard to use; they’re just configuration files. However, if you’re using someone else's dotfiles, you might run into issues quickly. The author’s setup might include install scripts or configurations that you might not understand immediately. It could help to reach out to the creator for clarification.
I've never used 'stow' for this myself, but if you're having trouble, manually placing the dotfiles in the right directories can often be more straightforward. It might take additional time but ensures you know where everything is going. Also, it’s totally fine to create your own dotfiles based on what you actually need.
Instead of using 'stow', why not try manually copying the dotfiles to their appropriate locations? Sometimes that can be simpler, especially if you're unsure about symlinking. Also, which specific files are you trying to apply? That might help narrow down the issue.

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