Using apt Command on Ubuntu and Debian

apt (Advanced Package Tool) is the default package manager used on Ubuntu, Debian, and all other Debian-based Linux distributions. It’s the go-to method for installing packages from repository, and can also install a local DEB file. In this tutorial, you will learn how to use the apt command for package management on Ubuntu and Debian Linux systems.

Installing a Package

Before installing a package, you should always fetch the latest repository information:

$ sudo apt update

Then, install a package with apt install:

$ sudo apt install package_name

To install a local package (.deb file):

$ sudo apt install ./package_name.deb

Upgrading Packages

To get a list of upgradable packages installed on your system:

$ sudo apt list --upgradable

To update all packages:

$ sudo apt upgrade

To update all packages and Linux kernel:

$ sudo apt full-upgrade

To remove lingering packages that are no longer needed:

$ sudo apt autoremove

One-liner to update the whole system:

$ sudo apt update && sudo apt -y full-upgrade && sudo apt -y autoremove

Getting Package Info

Retrieve information about a package:

$ apt show package_name

To list the installed packages in your system:

$ apt list --installed

Some packages rely on others in order to be installed and used. To list the dependencies of a certain package:

$ apt depends package_name

Searching for a Package

To search for a package:

$ apt search package_name

Removing and Purging Packages

The remove command will uninstall a package, but leave behind configuration files and (sometimes) additional program data like user settings. The purge command will uninstall a package and also remove all related configuration files and other data. If you don’t plan to reinstall the package, then purge is the recommended option.

To remove a package:

$ sudo apt remove package_name

To purge a package:

$ sudo apt purge package_name

To remove the libraries and dependencies that are no longer needed:

$ sudo apt autoremove

Reinstalling a Package

To reinstall a package:

$ sudo apt --reinstall install package_name

apt vs. apt-get

dpkg is the backend package management system for Debian-based distros. apt-get and apt are frontend commands that interact with dpkg and extend its functionality. The apt-get command predates apt, but is no longer the recommended command for end users.

Users should utilize apt for package management, as it’s more user-friendly. This is the command meant for everyday use. The apt command undergoes updates, and its implementation may vary slightly depending on the Linux distribution.

Contrast this to apt-get, which is less user-friendly, and known to be more consistent over time and across various distros. Scripts, background processes, and system services should utilize apt-get because of its predictability.