Ubuntu 24.04 kpcli Perl How-To

Ubuntu 24.04 kpcli Perl How-To

This guide shows how to set up `kpcli`, a Perl script for managing KeePass databases, on Ubuntu 24.04.

• This Page is if you want to run the perl script
• If you want an easy way to run kpcli please use apt or snap - Click here for more info

We’ll download `kpcli-4.1.3.pl`, install its Perl dependencies, and get it running—all step-by-step.

What is kpcli?

`kpcli` (KeePass CLI) is a Perl script that lets you manage KeePass `.kdb` or `.kdbx` files from the terminal. It’s great for quick password access without a GUI, and it’s lightweight for systems like Ubuntu 24.04.

Prerequisites

• Ubuntu 24.04 system (e.g., a ThinkPad X270).
• Internet connection.
• Terminal access.
• A KeePass database file (optional, for testing).

Step 1: Check Perl

Ubuntu 24.04 comes with Perl, but let’s confirm:

perl -v

• Look for something like `v5.38.2`. If it’s missing, install it:

sudo apt install perl

Step 2: Download kpcli

Get the latest version from SourceForge:

1. Visit kpcli SourceForge.
2. Download `kpcli-4.1.3.pl` (or the latest `.pl` file).
3. Save it to your Downloads folder:

cd ~/Downloads
wget https://sourceforge.net/projects/kpcli/files/kpcli-4.1.3.pl

• Verify the File: Check the SHA256 checksum to ensure it’s legit:

sha256sum kpcli-4.1.3.pl

• Expected output:

c91363e4e07f3521a867f68db602c95b53dc167e4366ee7ff254252b4176c62f  kpcli-4.1.3.pl

• If it matches, you’re good!

Step 3: Install Perl Dependencies

`kpcli` needs several Perl modules. Let’s install them with `apt` and `cpanm`.

Core Modules

Run this to grab most dependencies:

sudo apt install libfile-keepass-perl libterm-readkey-perl libsort-naturally-perl libterm-shellui-perl libcrypt-rijndael-perl libterm-readline-gnu-perl

• What these do:

 - `libfile-keepass-perl`: Reads KeePass files.
 - `libterm-readkey-perl`: Handles keyboard input.
 - `libsort-naturally-perl`: Sorts entries nicely.
 - `libterm-shellui-perl`: Powers the CLI interface.
 - `libcrypt-rijndael-perl`: AES encryption for KeePass v1.
 - `libterm-readline-gnu-perl`: Interactive terminal support (fixes “No usable Term::ReadLine” error).

Extra Module (Argon2)

For KeePass v2+ files with Argon2 encryption, install `Crypt::Argon2`:

sudo apt install cpanminus
sudo cpanm Crypt::Argon2

• `cpanminus` (or `cpanm`) is a lightweight Perl module installer.
• This might take a minute—it pulls in some extra Perl goodies.

Step 4: Run kpcli

Now, launch the script:

cd ~/Downloads
perl kpcli-4.1.3.pl

• You should see:

KeePass CLI (kpcli-4.1.3) v4.1.3 is ready for operation.
kpcli-4.1.3:/> 

Make It Executable (Optional)

For easier running:

chmod +x kpcli-4.1.3.pl
./kpcli-4.1.3.pl

Step 5: Test It

Try some commands:

• help: Lists available commands.
• open mypasswords.kdb: Opens a KeePass file (replace with your file’s name).
• exit: Quits the tool.

Troubleshooting

• “No usable Term::ReadLine::*” Error:

Install `libterm-readline-gnu-perl` (Step 3). If it persists, try:

  sudo apt install libterm-readline-perl-perl
  

• “Can’t locate Crypt/Rijndael.pm” Error:

Fixed by `libcrypt-rijndael-perl` (Step 3).

• Still Stuck?

Install the pre-packaged version:

  sudo apt install kpcli
  kpcli

This skips the Perl script hassles.

Notes

• Run from `~/Downloads` for now—move it to `/usr/local/bin/` later if you want system-wide access (e.g., `sudo mv kpcli-4.1.3.pl /usr/local/bin/kpcli`).
• Back up your KeePass files before editing!
• Tested on Ubuntu 24.04 as of March 19, 2025.

Support the Author

Consider sponsoring `kpcli`’s development at GitHub Sponsors.