The apt Linux command is an essential tool for handling software packages in Linux systems. It simplifies package management for both beginners and experienced users, allowing you to install, upgrade, and remove unnecessary dependencies.
In this guide, we look into what is apt Linux, its architecture, how it works, and the top commands to master in 2025!
What Is APT in Linux? The Work Behind The Scenes?
Apt Linux is a command-line tool used for installing, updating, removing, and managing deb packages on Ubuntu, Debian, and similar Linux distributions. It merges the most commonly used commands from the apt-get in Linux and apt-cache utilities, along with various default settings for some options.
APT Linux operates by using repositories, which are specific directories that contain groups of software packages.
The Debian project manages an official repository that contains thousands of software packages, allowing APT users to install them using the apt command-line tool and an internet connection. Additionally, users have the option to install packages from third-party repositories or repositories stored locally.
Essential APT Commands for Daily Use
Learning the following commands is very important to understand how it really works:
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Syntax
apt [...COMMANDS] [...PACKAGES]1. View Installed Files From a Package
The following ‘apt content‘ command will display a list of files and directories that are installed on your system as part of the specified package called glances.
$ sudo apt content glances
2. Check the Dependencies of a Package in Ubuntu
To view the dependencies of the package, use the command apt depends, which displays a list of dependencies for the specified package named glances.
$ sudo apt depends glances
3. Search for a Package in Ubuntu
The apt search command is used to search for packages in the available repositories based on keywords in their names or descriptions.
For example, to search for packages related to the apache2 web server, you would use the following command:
$ sudo apt search apache2
Alternatively, you can use the apt-cache command to search for packages in the system package cache based on a specific search term, such as a name or description.
4. Show Information About a Package in Ubuntu
The apt show command is used to display detailed information about a specific package, which includes its version, size, description, dependencies, and other relevant details.
$ sudo apt show firefox
5. Check the Package for Any Broken Dependencies
When installing packages, you might encounter errors related to broken dependencies. To ensure that you don’t have these issues, it’s helpful to run a command with the specific package name for verification.
$ sudo apt check firefox
6. List Missing Dependencies of Package
To view the recommended missing packages for the apache2 package, you can use the apt recommends command as shown.
$ sudo apt recommends apache2
7. Check the Version of Installed Package on Ubuntu
The apt version command allows you to check the installed version and availability of a package in the repositories.
$ sudo apt version firefox
8. Update All Packages On Ubuntu
The apt update command will help you to download a list of packages from different repositories included on your system and updates them when there are new versions of packages and their dependencies.
$ sudo apt update
9. Upgrade Ubuntu System
The apt upgrade command upgrades installed packages to their latest versions. It fetches the most recent package updates from the repositories and installs them, replacing any older versions currently on the system.
$ sudo apt upgrade
10. Remove Unused Packages in Ubuntu
This apt Linux command is used when a user wants to delete packages that were installed as dependencies for previously installed packages. These packages are no longer needed by the system because the packages that required them have been removed, or the dependencies have been altered.
These packages might have been installed previously to meet the dependencies of other packages. If those dependencies are no longer needed, the packages become unnecessary.
$ sudo apt autoremove
11. Clear Apt Cache in Ubuntu
The apt autoclean or apt clean command is used to clean up the local repository cache by removing old package files that are no longer needed.
$ sudo apt autoclean
or
$ sudo apt clean
12. Completely Remove a Package in Ubuntu
When you run apt with remove, it only removes the package files but configuration files remain on the system. Therefore, you will have to use purge to remove a package and its configuration files.
$ sudo apt purge glances
13. Install Deb Package in Ubuntu
To install a .deb package file, run the command below with the filename as an argument as follows:
$ sudo apt deb atom-amd64.deb
14. Uninstall Packages in Ubuntu
The apt remove command is used to uninstall or remove a specific package from your system.
$ sudo apt remove wget
15. APT Command Help
The apt help command provides a built-in help system that can provide information on how to use various apt commands and their options.
$ apt help16. Package Details (apt show)
The details regarding package dependencies, installation size, source of the package, etc., can be helpful before you remove or install a new package.
To get information about a specific package, use the show command:
sudo apt show package_nameConclusion
This apt Linux guide will be helpful to anyone starting their Linux Journey or managing dozens of servers. Knowing your way around APT can be a real game-changer. From installing and updating software to managing dependencies and keeping your system lean. I’ve told you 16 basic to advanced commands that will automate, streamline, and secure your system in 2025.
So open your terminal and start practicing the apt Linux commands, and you’ll kickstart your Linux journey!
FAQ’s
1: What is APT Linux, and what is its purpose?
A: APT (Advanced Package Tool) is a command-line tool for managing packages in Debian-based Linux systems like Ubuntu. It allows users to install, update, upgrade, and remove software packages while automatically managing dependencies. It makes software management easier by connecting to remote repositories and handling packages across the system.
2: How does APT differ from apt-get in Linux?
A: apt Linux is a newer, more user-friendly command-line tool designed to combine and simplify the functions of apt-get and apt-cache. While apt-get remains fully operational and suitable for scripts, apt provides a more streamlined output and is more appropriate for everyday use by users. For instance, using apt install is usually preferred over apt-get install in most current scenarios.
3: What steps can I take to repair broken APT packages in Linux?
A: To repair broken APT packages, you can use this command:
sudo apt --fix-broken installThis command fixes broken dependencies and tries to finish incomplete package installations. It is also advisable to run sudo apt update followed by sudo apt upgrade to maintain system stability.
4: How can I remove unnecessary packages with APT?
A: You can use the following commands:
sudo apt autoremove This command removes packages that were installed as dependencies but are no longer required.
sudo apt clean This command clears the package cache to free up disk space.
These commands are safe to execute and help improve the performance of your Linux system.
