Introduction
The Advanced Package Tool, or APT, is the backbone of software management for Debian-based Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, and Linux Mint. Designed to simplify the installation, updating, and removal of software packages, APT handles complex dependency resolution automatically so you don’t have to manage software manually. Whether you are maintaining a Linux server or managing a desktop environment, mastering the core operations of the APT package manager is an essential skill for system administration and software maintenance.
Updating Package Repositories
Updating package repositories refreshes your system’s local database with the latest available package versions and security patches from remote servers without actually installing any software.
This step is required to be done prior to installing any new package.
Run the command apt update when ready.
Searching for a Particular Package
As an example, to search the speedtest-cli package we will use the command apt search speedtest-cli
Installing a Package
To install the speedtest-cli package we will use the command apt install speedtest-cli
Removing a Package
Removing a package can be done by running the command apt remove PackageName
Listing All Installed Packages
Utilizing apt list --installed you can view all installed packages in the server. Using apt list --installed | grep SearchTermHere can help narrow it down to what you’re after.
View Package Information
You can view package information to review further details on where it is coming from, the installed size, and more by using apt info PackageName
Updating All Packages
Updating all packages in the server can be done by updating the package list from the available repositories followed by upgrading all of the relevant ones. This action can be done with command apt update && apt upgrade.
