Fixing broken packages in Debian systems

Stepping Outside

The Debian package manager has other front ends, notably Synaptic [5], a desktop interface. However, if apt-get, dpkg, or aptitude cannot restore full functionality, then the chances are high that neither Synaptic nor anything else can do so.

That is not to say that finding a solution is easy. Resolving broken dependencies can take hours, and the complications are so numerous that, when you do find a solution, it can feel like luck. The real solution, though, is to work systematically through the possibilities.

All the same, if you regularly find yourself in dependency hell – as broken dependencies were once called – then maybe you should consider your computing habits.

While everyone is tempted by the latest possible release and can make mistakes out of enthusiasm, by stepping outside the safety of the package management system, you are striking out on your own. An expert can do that, but to do so requires caution every step of the way. Otherwise, you may be reduced to desperate efforts such as editing a package's scripts or fiddling with /etc/apt/preferences in the faint hope of changing results that have already failed.

Some users thrive on such challenges. Many even find solutions that fall short of reinstalling the entire system. All the same, you have only yourself to blame if you find yourself wasting your time trying to re-enable the package manager instead of being productive or enjoying yourself.

Buy this article as PDF

Express-Checkout as PDF
Price $2.95
(incl. VAT)

Buy Linux Magazine

SINGLE ISSUES
 
SUBSCRIPTIONS
 
TABLET & SMARTPHONE APPS
Get it on Google Play

US / Canada

Get it on Google Play

UK / Australia

Related content

  • Command Line: Apt-get

    Dependency tangles fall away with the Debian package system.

  • Evolutionary Tale

    Over the past 30 years, the apt family has played an important role in dependency resolution for Debian distros.

  • apt vs. apt-get

    The apt command-line utility is a successor to the well known apt-get, offering simpler installation and maintenance for the DEB packages used with Debian, Ubuntu, Knoppix, and many other Linux distros.

  • SmartPM

    The Smart Package Manager makes everyday tasks of handling RPM and DEB packages simple but has a full set of controls for experts.

  • Manjaro and Antergos

    Manjaro and Antergos put the power of Arch Linux in a beginner-friendly form.

comments powered by Disqus
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.

Learn More

News