Install bpftool on Ubuntu
You want a simple way to get bpftool working on your system so you can trace network issues and inspect eBPF programs. I’ll show a clear path that covers the apt package route, a build-from-source option, and the basic commands to verify the installation.
This saves you time—no guessing about missing headers, PATH quirks, or why a version check fails. We’ll run quick environment checks, perform the update and package steps, then list the first commands that prove the tool is active and visible to the kernel.
Along the way, I’ll explain why bpftool matters for performance tuning and kernel-level diagnostics. If you prefer the distribution package for ease, we’ll use the install command and confirm versions. If you need newer features, compiling gives you control over the build process.
Key Takeaways
- We cover both package and source methods so you can choose the best process.
- Quick checks prevent common issues like missing kernel headers or PATH problems.
- After setup, simple commands list eBPF programs and maps for immediate validation.
- The guide balances ease (package) and control (compile) depending on your needs.
- I provide troubleshooting notes to get you unstuck fast.
Why bpftool matters for eBPF on Ubuntu today
Seeing which eBPF programs run and how they behave is the fastest path to real system fixes. I rely on a small set of commands to reveal live attachments, map states, and interface-level packet stats.
That visibility translates into better performance and safer monitoring. We can list programs with a simple command, inspect maps to check memory or keys, and pull XDP counters per interface to track packet drops.
For developers and SREs this is practical: the tool is scriptable, consistent, and fast. You can add checks to CI or run quick diagnostics during an incident. It exposes where CPU or memory pressure hits the kernel so we can tune services and improve system performance.
Below is a quick comparison of common quick commands and what they show.
| Command | What it shows | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| bpftool prog show | Loaded programs and attach points | Confirm active programs after deployment |
| bpftool map show | Maps, sizes, and types | Investigate memory or lookup issues |
| bpftool net show | XDP stats per interface | Fast network tracing and hotspot detection |
- Quickly detects bottlenecks and misattachments.
- Makes monitoring and tracing repeatable and script-friendly.
- Helps maintain reliable system performance as eBPF evolves.
Prerequisites and environment checks before installation
Start by confirming your system kernel and ensuring matching headers — it saves hours later. I’ll walk you through a short checklist so the setup process stays predictable and repeatable.
Check kernel version and install matching headers
Run the command uname -r to check kernel. Then add headers that match that output. For example: sudo apt install linux-headers-$(uname -r).
Sudo privileges, repositories, and a stable network connection
Make sure you have sudo privileges before you fetch packages and dependencies. An apt update confirms repository reachability and pulls current metadata.
Keep a steady network — partial downloads cause confusing errors. If repositories fail, troubleshooting network or DNS is the first step.
Optional: Using a dedicated Linux environment for testing
I recommend a dedicated VPS or lab environment when you test kernel tooling. It protects your main system and lets you iterate without risk.
- Confirm kernel, headers, and matching packages.
- Ensure sudo access and run an update of repositories.
- Use a test environment to avoid production impact.
| Step | Why it matters | Command / Action |
|---|---|---|
| Check kernel | Ensures header compatibility | uname -r |
| Get headers | Needed for builds and introspection | sudo apt install linux-headers-$(uname -r) |
| Verify repos | Prevents fetch errors | sudo apt update |
install bpftool Ubuntu using apt
Follow a short sequence of update, package retrieval, and a version check to confirm success.
Update your package list from distribution repositories
First, refresh package metadata so the system pulls current indexes. I run:
sudo apt updateThis avoids stale entries and reduces fetch errors when the next step runs.
Run the install command and pull required packages
Next, let the package manager resolve dependencies and place the binary on your PATH:
sudo apt install bpftoolIf you use custom mirrors or a proxy, verify connectivity before you start. On cloud images, extra supportive packages may be pulled—keep defaults unless you must pin versions.
Verify the installation with the version output
Confirm the tool is available and runnable by checking the version:
bpftool versionSeeing a version string means the command is on PATH and ready to list programs and maps.
| Step | Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | sudo apt update | Refreshes repositories to avoid stale metadata |
| 2 | sudo apt install bpftool | Installs binary and required dependencies |
| 3 | bpftool version | Verifies executable and version string |
Build and install bpftool from source on Ubuntu
When you want exact control of build flags and versions, compiling from the upstream source is the best method. I’ll walk you through the steps, highlight common hiccups, and show the commands to verify a clean build.
Step 1 — get build dependencies. Make sure git, build-essential, clang, llvm and libbpf-dev are present so the compiler and BPF libraries can link correctly.
Step 2 — grab the repository. Clone the source and move into the folder to work with current code and history.
Quick build steps
- sudo apt install git build-essential clang llvm libbpf-dev
- git clone https://github.com/iovisor/bpftool.git && cd bpftool
- make — if headers are missing, add linux-headers-$(uname -r) and retry
- sudo make install to place the program system-wide (usually /usr/local/bin)
| Step | Action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Install dependencies | Needed compilers and libraries for a clean build |
| 2 | Clone repository | Work with latest source and tags |
| 3 | make & sudo make install | Compile and place binary on PATH |
Finally, run the command bpftool version to confirm the version and PATH. Building from source gives you control over the installation process and access to newer releases than package repositories offer.
Post-install checks and first commands to inspect eBPF programs and maps
A few verification steps quickly prove the binary runs and give a live view of kernel-level eBPF objects. I run a version check first, then probe programs, maps, and basic network stats.
Listing loaded eBPF programs: bpftool prog show
Start with bpftool version to confirm the tool responds and the version is visible. If that succeeds, use bpftool prog show to list loaded programs, their IDs, types, and where they attach.
Inspecting eBPF maps: bpftool map show and map dump
Run bpftool map show to see map IDs, types, and sizes. Note the map ID you want to inspect next.
Then use bpftool map dump <map_id> to print key/value pairs and validate data stored in maps.
Quick network view with XDP stats: bpftool net show
For packet-level tracing, bpftool net show [interface] surfaces XDP stats and attachments. This gives a fast snapshot of how programs affect network paths and performance.
If a command fails with permissions, try sudo and double-check kernel features and headers. Keep a short note of program and map IDs—you’ll reuse them when correlating traces and debugging.
| Check | Command | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Verify tool | bpftool version | Confirms binary works and shows version |
| List programs | bpftool prog show | Shows program IDs, types, and attach points |
| List maps | bpftool map show | Reveals map IDs, types, and sizes |
| Dump map | bpftool map dump <map_id> | Prints stored key/value pairs for inspection |
| Network stats | bpftool net show [iface] | Displays XDP counters and attachment info |
Troubleshooting installation, dependencies, and command not found
If you hit errors during the build or a missing-command message at runtime, there are quick checks that usually fix it.
Resolving missing libraries and headers during build
Build failures often name the missing pieces. If errors mention clang, llvm, or libbpf, add those libraries and retry the build.
- Suggested step: sudo apt update then sudo apt install clang llvm libbpf-dev
- If git cloning fails, install git and confirm network access to the repository host.
- Verify kernel headers match the running kernel with linux-headers-$(uname -r) — mismatches break the build.
Fixing bpftool not found by adjusting PATH
If the bpftool command is missing after a source method, the binary may be in /usr/local/bin. Check PATH and add it to your shell profile if needed.
- Run which bpftool or command -v bpftool to locate the binary.
- Repository fetch errors often clear after sudo apt update; if not, check mirror and proxy settings.
- When map or program queries fail, try the same command with sudo — kernel access can require elevation.
| Problem | Quick fix | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Missing libraries | Install clang, llvm, libbpf-dev | Provides headers and linkable objects for build |
| Command not found | Ensure /usr/local/bin in PATH or reinstall with PREFIX | Shell needs to see the binary location |
| Repo fetch error | Run sudo apt update and check network | Refreshes metadata and exposes connectivity issues |
Keep changes small and test each step. I recommend one change per step — rebuild, then re-run the command — to isolate the root cause quickly.
Next steps to elevate system performance and tracing with bpftool
I recommend turning the setup into a short, repeatable workflow: list programs, inspect maps, and correlate findings with live workloads. This helps you spot kernel hotspots and measure real impact on system performance.
Pair the tool with eBPF-based tracing (XDP or tracepoints you write) for advanced monitoring. Keep a safe lab or VPS to trial changes so production stays stable.
Check the version occasionally; when features lag, rebuild from source to regain control of the installation process. Document program and map IDs in a runbook so on-call work is faster and less stressful.
Small, methodical experiments—change one program or map at a time and re-measure—yield the best, lasting gains in network tracing and system performance.
