Package Management
Overview
Package management is one of the core tasks in Linux system administration. Different distributions use different package management systems; this chapter introduces the main package management tools.
Package Management System Comparison
APT (Debian/Ubuntu)
Update Software Sources
Search for Software
Install Software Packages
Remove Software Packages
Software Source Configuration
Software source configuration file: /etc/apt/sources.list
dpkg - Low-level Package Management
DNF/YUM (Fedora/RHEL)
Update Software
Search and Install
Remove Software Packages
rpm - Low-level Package Management
Software Source Configuration
Pacman (Arch Linux)
Sync and Update
Search and Install
Remove Software Packages
Query
Universal Tools
snap
flatpak
AppImage
Compile from Source
Typical Steps
Install Compilation Tools
checkinstall
Create manageable package:
Practical Tips
View Installed Software Size
List Manually Installed Packages
Fix Broken Packages
Lock Package Versions
Clean System
Summary
This chapter introduced Linux package management:
- APT (Debian/Ubuntu):
apt,dpkg - DNF/YUM (Fedora/RHEL):
dnf,rpm - Pacman (Arch):
pacman - Universal formats: snap, flatpak, AppImage
- Compile from source: configure, make, install
Choose appropriate package management method and keep your system clean and secure.
Previous chapter: Process Management
Next chapter: Service Management