rfswift container install

Install extra tools in a container with the install functions its image ships, or in a Nix environment with the guided package installer.

RF Swift v4 canonical spelling: rfswift container install. The legacy rfswift install still works and prints a notice.

Synopsis

rfswift container install -c CONTAINER                 # pick a function from a searchable list
rfswift container install -c CONTAINER -i FUNCTION     # run one by name
rfswift --engine nix container install                 # the Nix package wizard (same as: rfswift env install)

Every RF Swift image carries /root/scripts with install functions for tools that are not preinstalled (sdrpp_soft_install, gnuradio_modules_install, …). Without -i, RF Swift lists the functions found inside the container in a filterable picker, so you never have to look up a function name. The function’s exit status is checked: a failed build is reported with the tail of its output instead of being called installed; apt housekeeping errors are only warnings. The Workbench offers the same picker as Install tools… on a mission.

Options

Flag	Description	Required	Example
`-c, --container STRING`	Container ID or name (interactive picker if omitted)	No	`-c my_container`
`-i, --install STRING`	Function name to execute (searchable list if omitted)	No	`-i sdrpp_soft_install`

Interactive Picker: When run without -c in an interactive terminal, RF Swift displays a scrollable container picker to select the installation target.

Examples

Basic Usage

Install SDR++ software:

rfswift install -c work -i sdrpp_soft_install

Install GNU Radio modules:

rfswift install -c sdr_work -i gnuradio_modules_install

Install wireless tools:

rfswift install -c wifi_analysis -i wireless_tools_install

Real-World Scenarios

Setup new SDR container:

# Create container
rfswift run -i penthertz/rfswift_resolute:sdr_light -n sdr_custom

# Install additional tools
rfswift install -c sdr_custom -i sdrpp_soft_install
rfswift install -c sdr_custom -i hackrf_tools_install
rfswift install -c sdr_custom -i rtlsdr_tools_install

# Container now has custom toolset
rfswift exec -c sdr_custom

Add missing tool:

# Working in container, need additional tool
rfswift exec -c analysis
# Realize you need inspectrum
exit

# Install from host
rfswift install -c analysis -i inspectrum_install

# Tool now available
rfswift exec -c analysis
inspectrum

Batch installation:

# Install multiple tools
TOOLS=(
    "sdrpp_soft_install"
    "gqrx_install"
    "urh_install"
    "inspectrum_install"
)

for tool in "${TOOLS[@]}"; do
    echo "Installing: $tool"
    rfswift install -c sdr_full -i "$tool"
done

Custom toolchain setup:

# Create specialized container
rfswift run -i penthertz/rfswift_resolute:base -n custom_rf

# Install specific tools
rfswift install -c custom_rf -i gnuradio_install
rfswift install -c custom_rf -i hackrf_tools_install
rfswift install -c custom_rf -i limesuite_install

# Commit as custom image
rfswift commit -c custom_rf -i my_custom_toolchain:v1

Troubleshooting

Installation Failed

Problem: Installation function fails

Solutions:

# Check container is running
rfswift last | grep container_name

# Check internet connectivity in container
rfswift exec -c container -e "ping -c 3 google.com"

# Check disk space
rfswift exec -c container -e "df -h"

# Try with more verbose output
rfswift exec -c container
# Run installation command manually to see errors
exit

# Update package lists first
rfswift exec -c container -e "apt-get update"

# Then retry install
rfswift install -c container -i function_name

Function Not Found

Problem: Installation function doesn’t exist

Solutions:

# Let RF Swift list the functions found inside the container
rfswift container install -c container

# Refresh the scripts inside the container (update_rfscripts), then retry
rfswift container shell -c container -e "update_rfscripts"

Related Commands

exec - Execute commands after installation
commit - Save container after installations
run - Create container for installations
upgrade - Upgrade container with new tools

🔧

Automated Setup: The install command uses predefined functions that handle dependencies, compilation, and configuration automatically. No need to manually compile or configure!

Internet Required: Installation functions download source code and packages from the internet. Ensure your container has network access during installation!

Commit After Installing: After installing tools, commit your container with rfswift commit to preserve your work. Otherwise, changes are lost if the container is removed!

Last updated on September 8, 2026

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