rfswift container install

Install extra tools in a container with its install functions, or in a Nix environment.

Reference · 4 min read · Updated September 27, 2026

rfswift container install adds a tool that isn’t preinstalled in your container, using the install functions the image ships. With the Nix engine, it opens the guided package installer instead. Use it when a toolbox is missing one tool you need.

bash
rfswift container install -c my_container

Without -i, you pick the function from a searchable list of everything the image offers, so you never have to know its name.

Other spellings: the legacy rfswift install still works and prints a notice.

Synopsis

bash
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)

How it works:

  • Every RF Swift image carries /root/scripts with install functions for tools that are not preinstalled. The Included tools tables list each tool’s function in the Installation function column.
  • Each function takes care of the tool’s dependencies, compilation and configuration.
  • Without -i, RF Swift lists the functions found inside the container in a filterable picker.
  • The function’s exit status is checked: a failed build is reported with the end of its output instead of being marked as installed. Errors from apt housekeeping 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 run (searchable list if omitted) No -i gqrx_soft_install

Container picker: without -c in an interactive terminal, RF Swift shows a picker so you can choose the container to install into.

Examples

Basic usage

Install SDR++

bash
rfswift container install -c work -i sdrpp_soft_fromsource_install

Install a GNU Radio module (gr-dab)

bash
rfswift container install -c sdr_work -i grdab_grmod_install

Install Aircrack-ng

bash
rfswift container install -c wifi_analysis -i aircrack_soft_install

Everyday cases

Setup new SDR container

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

# Install additional tools
rfswift container install -c sdr_custom -i sdrpp_soft_fromsource_install
rfswift container install -c sdr_custom -i hackrf_devices_install
rfswift container install -c sdr_custom -i rtlsdr_devices_install

# Container now has custom toolset
rfswift container shell -c sdr_custom

Add missing tool

bash
# You are working in the container and need another tool
rfswift container shell -c analysis
# ... you realise you need Inspectrum
exit

# Install it from your computer
rfswift container install -c analysis -i inspectrum_soft_install

# Tool now available
rfswift container shell -c analysis
inspectrum

Batch installation

bash
# Install multiple tools
TOOLS=(
    "sdrpp_soft_fromsource_install"
    "gqrx_soft_install"
    "urh_soft_install"
    "inspectrum_soft_install"
)

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

Custom toolchain setup

bash
# Create specialized container
rfswift container create -i penthertz/rfswift_resolute:corebuild -n custom_rf

# Install specific tools
rfswift container install -c custom_rf -i gnuradio_soft_install
rfswift container install -c custom_rf -i hackrf_devices_install
rfswift container install -c custom_rf -i limesdr_devices_install

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

Troubleshooting

Installation failed

An install function fails.

To fix it:

bash
# Check container is running
rfswift container last | grep container_name

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

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

# See the full output by running the function yourself inside the container
rfswift container shell -c container
exit

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

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

Function not found

The function name you gave doesn’t exist in this image.

To fix it:

bash
# 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"

Needs internet access: install functions download source code and packages, so the container needs network access while they run.

Keep what you installed: tools you add live in this container only. Commit it with rfswift container commit if you want to keep them after the container is removed.