apt Commands Documentation

apt is a package management tool used in Debian-based systems (such as Ubuntu) for installing, upgrading, and removing software packages. Below are key commands for managing packages efficiently.

1. Update Package Index

Updates the local package index to ensure you get the latest versions of the available packages.

sudo apt update

2. Upgrade Installed Packages

Upgrades all the currently installed packages to their latest available versions.

sudo apt upgrade

3. List Installed Packages

Lists all the packages that are currently installed on the system.

apt list --installed

4. List Specific Installed Package

Filters the list of installed packages to show only the specified package.

apt list --installed | grep <package_name>

5. Install a Package

Installs a specified package and its dependencies. The -y flag automatically answers 'yes' to any prompts.

sudo apt install <pkg> -y

6. Download a Package Only

Downloads a package without installing it.

sudo apt install <pkg> --download-only

7. Remove a Package

Removes the specified package from the system. The -y flag automatically confirms the action.

sudo apt remove <pkg> -y

8. Purge a Package

Removes the specified package along with its configuration files.

sudo apt purge <pkg> -y

9. Search for a Package

Searches the package repository for a specific package by keyword.

apt search <keyword>

10. Show Package Information

Displays detailed information about a specific package, including its version, description, and dependencies.

apt show <pkg>

11. Clean Up Unused Packages

Removes unnecessary packages that were automatically installed but are no longer required.

sudo apt autoremove

12. Upgrade Distribution

Upgrades the distribution, including new packages and potential system upgrades.

sudo apt dist-upgrade