When managing software packages on Ubuntu, you’ll frequently encounter the commands apt and apt-get. They serve similar purposes but differ in usage and design goals. Understanding their distinctions will help you operate the system more efficiently, especially for beginners.
What is Package Management?¶
In Ubuntu, software is distributed as .deb packages, analogous to APK files on mobile devices. To install, update, or uninstall software, the system needs information about available packages, their versions, and dependencies. apt and apt-get are tools that facilitate interaction with Ubuntu’s software repositories (similar to an app store on mobile devices).
apt-get: The Foundational (Yet “Raw”) Tool¶
apt-get is an early command-line tool in Ubuntu, powerful but designed for developers or advanced users. It requires memorizing more subcommands and parameters, such as:
- Update repositories: sudo apt-get update (Updates the system’s package list to reflect available software)
- Install software: sudo apt-get install <package-name> (e.g., sudo apt-get install vim)
- Upgrade system: sudo apt-get upgrade (Upgrades all updatable packages)
- Remove software: sudo apt-get remove <package-name> (Uninstalls software but retains configuration files)
apt: A Beginner-Friendly “Upgraded” Tool¶
apt was introduced in Ubuntu 16.04 as a new tool specifically designed to simplify operations for beginners. It integrates common functions from apt-get and apt-cache into shorter, more intuitive commands, like converting complex tools into “one-click operations.” Examples include:
- Update repositories: sudo apt update (Same as apt-get update but with a shorter command)
- Install software: sudo apt install <package-name> (Directly installs without needing to remember the install subcommand)
- Upgrade system: sudo apt upgrade (Similar to apt-get upgrade but with smarter dependency handling)
Core Differences: Which Should Beginners Use?¶
| Comparison | apt-get | apt |
|---|---|---|
| Design Goal | Full functionality with complex parameters, ideal for advanced users | Simplified operations, focusing on common beginner tasks |
| Command Simplicity | Requires subcommands (e.g., apt-get install) |
Uses main commands directly (e.g., apt install) |
| Dependency Handling | Requires manual parameters (e.g., -y for automatic confirmation) |
Automatically handles dependencies, reducing parameter input |
| Beginner-Friendliness | Slightly harder to remember (requires distinguishing update vs. upgrade, etc.) |
Intuitive commands with integrated common functions |
Essential apt Commands for Beginners¶
For beginners, we recommend using apt and memorizing these core commands:
1. Update repositories: sudo apt update (Always run before installing new software to ensure the latest package list)
2. Install software: sudo apt install <package-name> (e.g., sudo apt install code to install VS Code)
3. Search for software: sudo apt search <keyword> (e.g., sudo apt search python to find Python-related packages)
4. Upgrade system: sudo apt upgrade (Updates all installed packages to their latest versions)
5. Remove software: sudo apt remove <package-name> (Uninstalls software, retaining configuration files)
6. Completely remove + clean up: sudo apt purge <package-name> (Uninstalls software, deletes configuration files, and clears residual data)
Summary: Beginners Should Prioritize apt¶
apt is an “upgraded” version of apt-get, designed to simplify operations with shorter, memorable commands that cover nearly all daily software management scenarios. Unless you are an advanced user needing specialized parameters (e.g., --fix-missing for dependency repair), beginners should use apt directly. Remember to run apt update before installing new software, and use apt search to troubleshoot issues—this should address 90% of software management needs!