Package Management in Linux

A system to install, update, query, or remove software packages.

• Debian-based systems (like Ubuntu) use dpkg at a low level.
• apt-get is a front-end to dpkg, easier for everyday use.
• Most commands require administrative privileges → use sudo.

Example :

sudo apt-get update             # Update package list

apt-cache search cow            # Search for packages
# Output: cowsay - configurable talking cow

sudo apt-get install cowsay     # Install a package
cowsay 'NDG Linux Unhatched'    # Run the package
sudo apt-get upgrade            # Upgrade all installed packages
sudo apt-get remove cowsay      # Remove a package but keep config files
sudo apt-get purge cowsay       # Remove package completely including config files