RetroDECK/wiki-rtd/docs/wiki_controllers/about-udev.md

# About udev

udev is a device manager for the Linux kernel that gives the system access to various running hardware via device `.rules` files also known as `udev rules`.

udev rules are used to allow and manage the access to a specific devices, so without a proper udev rule some devices such as custom controller could not be used by RetroDECK nor by Steam or any other part of the system.

Read more on:

- [Debian Wiki](https://wiki.debian.org/udev)
- [Arch Wiki](https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/udev)
- [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udev)

## Important directories

### /lib/udev/rules.d/
This directory contains the default `.rules file` shipped by your system. <br>
They should not be edited.

### /etc/udev/rules.d/ or /run/udev/rules.d (depending on the system)
This directory contains custom `.rules file` additions to those shipped in `/lib/udev/rules.d/` and the administrator can add more rules into this directory.

If a  `.rules file` exist for the same device under `/lib/udev/rules.d/` and `/etc/udev/rules.d/` the `/etc` version will always take preset over the `lib` version.

## Example of a .rules file

The content of a Merlin UTMS modem .rules file.
```
ATTRS{prod_id2}=="Merlin UMTS Modem", ATTRS{prod_id1}=="Novatel Wireless", SYMLINK+="MerlinUMTS"
```

A .rules file can also contain more the one devices example multiple 8Bitdo controllers:
```
# 8Bitdo F30 P1
SUBSYSTEM=="input", ATTRS{name}=="8Bitdo FC30 GamePad", ENV{ID_INPUT_JOYSTICK}="1", TAG+="uaccess"

# 8Bitdo F30 P2
SUBSYSTEM=="input", ATTRS{name}=="8Bitdo FC30 II", ENV{ID_INPUT_JOYSTICK}="1", TAG+="uaccess"
```

## Controller udev projects
**Valve's - Steam Devices**

[steam-devices github](https://github.com/ValveSoftware/steam-devices)

The Steam Devices package is usually installed when you install Steam on your system, it contains rules for the most common controllers.<br>
This package is also part of SteamOS so there is no need to install it on the Steam Deck. <br>


**Game Devices udev**

[game-devices-udev codeberg](https://codeberg.org/fabiscafe/game-devices-udev)

The Game Devices udev project is an effort to combine all game devices into one package but it is still early and several are missing. <br>


**Batocera udev**

[Batocera - Controllers github](https://github.com/batocera-linux/batocera.linux/tree/master/package/batocera/controllers)

The Batocera project has also combined a list of other controllers that might be missing from the two projects above.


## Quick tips on udev installation

### Administrator sudo access is needed

Installing a udev rule needs administrator root access with sudo and the rules should be put in either the `/etc/udev/rules.d/` or `/run/udev/rules.d` example from above.

- You can copy the `.rules` from terminal into the directory either from terminal or with a file browser.
- The rules should be in the `.rules` file format and should be extracted from any `.zip` `.7z` `.tar` or any other compressed format.

### Reboot or reload rules
After a rule is added you will need to either reload the `udevadm` from terminal by issuing the following command: `sudo udevadm control --reload-rules` or just reboot the system.

- The udev rule should be added when the RetroDECK or any other software that you want access to the device is not running.

### SteamOS or immutable systems
For SteamOS or other immutable systems udev rules might or might not persistent persist over SteamOS updates (we can't say for certain).