git-debrebase does not do any builds. You use your existing favourite build tools for that. Nor does git-debrebase do anything to do with actual source packages (that is, .dsc files). Typically, other tools will automatically convert your git branch into an identical source package, when you upload. git-debrebase does not deal with orig tarballs, either. It is a purely git tool, so it consumes upstream source code in gitish form. Ideally, you base your work on upstream git tags, and an equivalent orig tarball (or one made with git-deborig). Otherwise, you can import an upstream tarball with a tool gbp-import-orig. git-debrebase concentrates on managing the Debian packaging, and the Debian delta queue - [usp slide] , and the Debian packaging. - the changes you make in bb (When you are uploading a new upstream to Debian, you'll use tools like git-deborig or git-archive to generate a .orig corresponding to the upstream source.)