APT

APT (Advanced Packaging Tool) is a powerful package management system which is the basis for the graphical Software Management application. APT automatically handles dependencies and performs other package operations that are required for package installation.

Note

Running APT requires administrative privileges. Entering commands with "sudo" generates a password prompt. Several of the commands below will not run without sudo.

Common commands used with APT are:

  • Install packages:

    sudo apt-get install packagename

  • Remove packages:

    sudo apt-get remove packagename

  • Remove package dependencies that are no longer needed:

    sudo apt-get autoremove

  • Search for packages:

    apt-cache search keyword

  • Retrieve the current list of available packages:

    sudo apt-get update

  • Install the latest available updates for the applications currently installed:

    sudo apt-get upgrade

  • List further commands and options:

    apt-get help

Tip

For further information about the use of APT, read the comprehensive Debian APT User Manual.