The bauh package manager
All-Rounder
The bauh package manager provides a single interface to manage all of your Linux software. Despite a few issues, bauh goes a long way in simplifying package management.
Ever since package managers added automatic dependency resolution, installing software in Linux has been easy. The greatest difficulties arose from attempts to use different package formats, such as Debian's Alien. These attempts were never fully successful and were widely ignored. However, with the popularity of universal formats such as AppImage, Snap, Flatpak, and web applications, package management has become more complex, with each format using its own commands for administration. Formerly known as fpakman, bauh [1] is designed to simplify package management by using a single interface for all formats. In addition, bauh is one of the easiest interfaces available for package management either on the desktop or at the command line, despite the fact that some of the interface's details need to be improved.
Currently at release 0.10.7, bauh has far to go before general release. As I write, it supports Arch, AppImage, Snap, Flatpak, and native web applications, covering the most popular formats, but likely others will be added as development continues. Also, for some reason, the top half of package release numbers are obscured in bauh's tables, but other columns are perfectly legible (Figure 1). In addition, a few of the buttons on the right side of the main window seem redundant (possibly to accommodate varying user preferences) while, in an effort to avoid jargon, the functions of some fields are obscure. Fortunately, though, such problems do not stop bauh from being already functional. Package installation and removal are already implemented. In addition, bauh can also use Timeshift for backup before making changes and can be installed in the system tray. Bauh already supports custom themes. Written in Qt, bauh supports all these features with a responsiveness that makes it usable even in the early release stage.
Installing and Configuring bauh
You can install bauh for an individual account or for the entire system. It has yet to be included in the repositories of most distributions. However, bauh's GitHub page [2] includes detailed installation instructions for Arch Linux, Debian, and Ubuntu directly, and for Python 3's pip installer. Judging by the extra actions listed on the project page for each distribution, the Arch version appears to be the most advanced. But considering the dozen required and the dozen optional dependencies, the easiest way to install bauh is with AppImage, although you may need to uninstall AppImageLauncher first.
[...]
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
-
Fedora 41 Released with New Features
If you're a Fedora fan or just looking for a Linux distribution to help you migrate from Windows, Fedora 41 might be just the ticket.
-
AlmaLinux OS Kitten 10 Gives Power Users a Sneak Preview
If you're looking to kick the tires of AlmaLinux's upstream version, the developers have a purrfect solution.
-
Gnome 47.1 Released with a Few Fixes
The latest release of the Gnome desktop is all about fixing a few nagging issues and not about bringing new features into the mix.
-
System76 Unveils an Ampere-Powered Thelio Desktop
If you're looking for a new desktop system for developing autonomous driving and software-defined vehicle solutions. System76 has you covered.
-
VirtualBox 7.1.4 Includes Initial Support for Linux kernel 6.12
The latest version of VirtualBox has arrived and it not only adds initial support for kernel 6.12 but another feature that will make using the virtual machine tool much easier.
-
New Slimbook EVO with Raw AMD Ryzen Power
If you're looking for serious power in a 14" ultrabook that is powered by Linux, Slimbook has just the thing for you.
-
The Gnome Foundation Struggling to Stay Afloat
The foundation behind the Gnome desktop environment is having to go through some serious belt-tightening due to continued financial problems.
-
Thousands of Linux Servers Infected with Stealth Malware Since 2021
Perfctl is capable of remaining undetected, which makes it dangerous and hard to mitigate.
-
Halcyon Creates Anti-Ransomware Protection for Linux
As more Linux systems are targeted by ransomware, Halcyon is stepping up its protection.
-
Valve and Arch Linux Announce Collaboration
Valve and Arch have come together for two projects that will have a serious impact on the Linux distribution.