1. Introduction
When using Ubuntu, the apt install command is essential for installing and managing software. With this command, you can easily install applications from package repositories.
This article provides a complete guide—from basics to advanced usage, troubleshooting, and frequently asked questions—so that beginners and intermediate users alike can smoothly manage packages in Ubuntu.
2. What Is the apt Command?
What is apt?
apt (Advanced Package Tool) is a command-line utility used for package management on Ubuntu and Debian-based Linux distributions. Using APT allows you to perform the following actions:
- Install software
- Update software
- Remove unnecessary software
- Resolve dependency issues
Package management on Ubuntu is primarily carried out using the apt command.
Difference Between apt and apt-get
Previously, apt-get was the standard tool, but apt is now recommended. Their differences are summarized in the following table:
| Command | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| apt | More user-friendly with improved progress indicators |
| apt-get | Legacy command offering more granular control (advanced users only) |
Use apt for basic package management, and switch to apt-get when performing specific advanced operations.
3. Basic apt Operations
Update the Package List
Before installing software, update the package list to ensure the latest information is available.
sudo apt update
This command refreshes the list of available software for the Ubuntu package manager.
Tip: If you install software with outdated package information, the latest versions may not be retrieved—so run this command regularly.
Install a Package
Use the following command to install new software:
sudo apt install package-name
For example, to install curl:
sudo apt install curl
During installation, a message such as “This package requires XX MB. Continue?” will appear. Press “Y” to proceed.
Remove a Package
To remove software you no longer need, use the following command:
sudo apt remove package-name
For example, to remove curl:
sudo apt remove curl
To completely delete a package along with its configuration files, use:
sudo apt purge package-name
4. Advanced apt Usage
Upgrade a Specific Package
You can upgrade only a specific package without updating the entire system:
sudo apt install --only-upgrade package-name
Example – Upgrade vim:
sudo apt install --only-upgrade vim
Automatically Remove Unnecessary Packages
To remove unused packages installed as dependencies, run:
sudo apt autoremove
View Package Details
Check detailed information about a package using:
apt show package-name
Example – View details for git:
apt show git
List Installed Packages
To display all installed packages, run:
apt list --installed
5. Troubleshooting
Dependency Issues
If you encounter dependency problems when installing a package, try the following command:
sudo apt install -f
This command fixes broken dependencies.
Add or Remove Repositories
To install software that requires a specific repository, add it using:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:repository-name
sudo apt update
To remove a repository you no longer need:
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:repository-name
sudo apt update
6. FAQ
Should I use apt or apt-get?
On modern Ubuntu systems, apt is recommended.
Difference Between apt update and apt upgrade
apt update→ Updates the package listapt upgrade→ Upgrades installed packages to the latest versions
How to Upgrade Only a Specific Package
Use the following command:
sudo apt install --only-upgrade package-name
Check Where a Package Is Installed
You can verify the installation location with:
dpkg -L package-name
Check the Repository Source of a Package
Utilisez la commande suivante :
apt-cache policy package-name
7. Conclusion
Cet article a expliqué tout, depuis l’utilisation de base de apt install sur Ubuntu jusqu’aux techniques avancées et au dépannage.
En maîtrisant la commande apt, vous pouvez gérer votre environnement Ubuntu de manière plus efficace.
📌 Lien de référence :
Continuez à en apprendre davantage sur Ubuntu pour atteindre une administration système efficace et optimisée !
