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Package Managers: Installing Software

Package managers install software. Update it. Remove it. They handle dependencies.

Here's the thing: Package managers make Linux easy. Learn them. Use them.

What Package Managers Do​

Package managers:

  • Install software
  • Update software
  • Remove software
  • Handle dependencies (software that other software needs)

My take: Package managers are like app stores. But better. They handle everything.

Common Package Managers​

APT (Debian/Ubuntu)​

sudo apt update
sudo apt install package-name
sudo apt upgrade

My take: APT is for Debian/Ubuntu. Most common. Learn it.

YUM/DNF (RHEL/CentOS)​

sudo yum install package-name      # Old
sudo dnf install package-name      # New

My take: DNF is the new YUM. Use DNF on newer systems.

Snap/Flatpak​

sudo snap install package-name
flatpak install package-name

My take: Snap and Flatpak are modern. Universal packages. Use them when available.

Why Use Package Managers​

Benefits:

  • Easy installation
  • Dependency handling
  • Updates
  • Security patches
  • Uninstallation

My take: Always use package managers. Don't compile from source unless you have to.

Common Patterns​

Update System​

# Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

# RHEL/CentOS
sudo dnf update

Install Software​

# Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt install nginx

# RHEL/CentOS
sudo dnf install nginx

What's Next?​

Now that you understand package managers, let's talk about APT for Debian/Ubuntu.

Personal note: When I started, I'd compile from source. Then I learned package managers. Now I use them for everything. They're easier. They're better. Use them.