apt vs. apt-get
The Debian package management infrastructure is a simple yet powerful system that has been a distinguishing feature of Debian since the project's early years. At the core of the Debian package management is dpkg [1], a low-level tool used for installing and removing Debian .deb
packages. The bigger and more comprehensive Advanced Package Tool (APT) [2] is a higher-level tool that includes dpkg on the back end. APT performs most of the other functions associated with a package management system, including integrating external repositories.
The APT package system supports a number of front-end applications, both command-line and GUI-based, that act as a user-friendly interface for managing Debian packages. In the past, most users who wanted to work at the command line depended on the classic apt-get
tool as an interface to the Debian package system. Through the years, apt-get
and a constellation of other supporting utilities, such as apt-cache
, have provided nearly effortless package management for Debian users, as well as users of Debian-based distros like Ubuntu and Knoppix, who take the time to master the commands.
However, some users were not happy about the complex, and often confusing, system of apt-get
commands and options. Since the release of Debian 8 "Jessie" and Ubuntu 16.04 "Xenial Xerus," all users of Debian-based systems can enjoy a new command-line interface to the APT system: apt
. The apt
utility consolidates features that were once spread among apt-get
, apt-cache
, and other commands, and it simplifies many of the command options for an easier and friendlier user experience.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
Plasma 6.3 Now Available
Plasma desktop v6.3 has a couple of pretty nifty tricks up its sleeve.
-
LibreOffice 25.2 Has Arrived
If you've been hoping for a release that offers more UI customizations, you're in for a treat.
-
TuxCare Has a Big AlmaLinux 9 Announcement in Store
TuxCare announced it has successfully completed a Security Technical Implementation Guide for AlmaLinux OS 9.
-
First Release Candidate for Linux Kernel 6.14 Now Available
Linus Torvalds has officially released the first release candidate for kernel 6.14 and it includes over 500,000 lines of modified code, making for a small release.
-
System76 Refreshes Meerkat Mini PC
If you're looking for a small form factor PC powered by Linux, System76 has exactly what you need in the Meerkat mini PC.
-
Gnome 48 Alpha Ready for Testing
The latest Gnome desktop alpha is now available with plenty of new features and improvements.
-
Wine 10 Includes Plenty to Excite Users
With its latest release, Wine has the usual crop of bug fixes and improvements, along with some exciting new features.
-
Linux Kernel 6.13 Offers Improvements for AMD/Apple Users
The latest Linux kernel is now available, and it includes plenty of improvements, especially for those who use AMD or Apple-based systems.
-
Gnome 48 Debuts New Audio Player
To date, the audio player found within the Gnome desktop has been meh at best, but with the upcoming release that all changes.
-
Plasma 6.3 Ready for Public Beta Testing
Plasma 6.3 will ship with KDE Gear 24.12.1 and KDE Frameworks 6.10, along with some new and exciting features.