Packages and backups

The apt command

The Debian and Ubuntu package manager: installs, searches and updates software.

Syntax

sudo apt <update|install|search|list>

Most useful options

updateRefreshes the package catalogue
installInstalls a package
searchSearches packages
list --installedLists what is installed

Copy-ready examples

$ sudo apt updateRefresh the catalogue
$ apt search figletSearch for a program
$ sudo apt install figletInstall it

You can try them in the browser terminal: it does not touch your computer.

Typical mistakes

  • update only refreshes the list; it does not install or upgrade anything yet.

Related commands

tarwhichcurl

FAQ

What is the difference between update and upgrade?

update refreshes the catalogue; upgrade bumps what is installed.

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