feature: CLI client alternative. (QT6 optional)

[hpsaturn]

Overview

Which is the reason for try to have Qt6 for an simple VPN connection. Qt6 it's ok for end users, but not is possible only a CLI like other VPN alternatives, for example NordVPN? I don't know, I'm wrong or the documentation is not clear, but I cant see a build options to have a simple CLI client. In Debian for example try to build this client is hard.

┆Issue is synchronized with this Jira Task

[bakulf]

We do have the command-line interface. But at the moment it's not possible to compile the client without the UI. See https://github.com/mozilla-mobile/mozilla-vpn-client/blob/main/docs/Command-line-interface.md

[volkertb]

@bakulf Then why aren't you prioritizing the decoupling of the command-line tool from the Qt6 desktop version? This pointless dependency makes the client incredibly tedious and slow to build, which is especially problematic for Linux users who are using a non-Ubuntu distro, and would be okay with at least having a functional command-line client.

And why do we need a custom client for Mozilla VPN anyway? I thought WireGuard was supposed to be an industry standard. :confused:

[hpsaturn]

I'm agree with you. I'm going to return to NordVPN, that is a clear solution, with good compatibility cross any Linux Desktop and distribution. I reported this issue or feature request six months ago and nothing. I don't want install QT6 in my Desktop, why we need that? it is a simple VPN connection, we don't need this overweight code. On the other hand I tryed to do tethering from my Mozilla VPN instance on Android, and also it doesn't works. Mozilla VPN for Linux user like you or me, only works on Android :( please!

[volkertb]

@hpsaturn Before you return to NordVPN, please give MozWire a try. It was exactly what I was looking for: a distro-neutral command-line solution to on-board a Linux machine to Mozilla VPN, and making it work with the GNOME ConnectionManager, just like with any other generic standard VPN solution.

I only discovered this tool after I wrote this reply.

This was the missing puzzle piece for me to enjoy MozillaVPN on my non-Ubuntu Linux system.

MozWire even has features that the official client lacks, such as multi-hop!

[hpsaturn]

Thanks, works fine. Well, whatever, I think that Mozilla should work on this issue, because a third party sometimes is another hole in the security. For now, I think that this issue will continue open.

[xydinesh]

Any update on building command line client without Qt6 dependencies ? I'm using void linux and ran into dependency hell with Qt6. Thank you!