How to Use the Command 'deb-get' (with examples)

The deb-get command is a tool that provides the functionality of apt-get for .deb packages published in third-party repositories or downloaded directly. It is designed to work with Linux distributions that use apt-get and can be accessed via the official GitHub repository at https://github.com/wimpysworld/deb-get .

Use case 1: Update the list of available packages and versions

Code:

sudo deb-get update

Motivation: This use case is important to ensure that you have access to the latest versions of packages available in the repositories or downloads. By updating the list of available packages, you can make informed decisions about the packages you want to install or upgrade.

Explanation: The deb-get update command is used to refresh the package lists by downloading the latest information about available packages from the repositories or downloads.

Example output:

Get:1 http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu focal InRelease [265 kB]
Get:2 http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu focal-security InRelease [109 kB]
...

Use case 2: Search for a given package

Code:

sudo deb-get search package

Motivation: When you’re looking for a specific package, the deb-get search command can help you find it quickly. This is useful when you’re not sure about the exact package name or want to explore available options.

Explanation: The deb-get search package command searches the package lists for packages whose names or descriptions contain the specified keyword.

Example output:

libpackage1-dev/focal,now 1.2.3-4 amd64 [installed,automatic]
    Description of libpackage1-dev.
libpackage2-dev/focal 2.0.1-1 amd64
    Description of libpackage2-dev.
...

Use case 3: Show information about a package

Code:

sudo deb-get show package

Motivation: It’s important to have detailed information about a package before installing it. The deb-get show command provides comprehensive information, including the package’s dependencies, version, description, and more.

Explanation: The deb-get show package command displays detailed information about the specified package, such as its dependencies, version, size, description, and other package metadata.

Example output:

Package: package
Version: 1.2.3-4
Installed-Size: 1024
...
Description: This is a sample package description.
...

Use case 4: Install a package, or update it to the latest available version

Code:

sudo deb-get install package

Motivation: Installing or updating packages is a common task. The deb-get install command allows you to easily install a package or update it to the latest available version in the repositories or downloads.

Explanation: The deb-get install package command installs the specified package or updates it to the latest available version. If the package is already installed, this command will ensure it is up to date.

Example output:

Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information... Done
The following additional packages will be installed:
...
Do you want to continue? [Y/n]
...

Use case 5: Remove a package

Code:

sudo deb-get remove package

Motivation: Sometimes you may want to remove a package from your system. The deb-get remove command allows you to easily uninstall a package, providing a clean and minimal configuration.

Explanation: The deb-get remove package command removes the specified package from the system. By default, it only removes the package itself, leaving the configuration files in place. If you want to remove the configuration files as well, you can use purge instead of remove.

Example output:

Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information... Done
The following packages will be REMOVED:
...
Do you want to continue? [Y/n]
...

Use case 6: Upgrade all installed packages to their newest available versions

Code:

sudo deb-get upgrade

Motivation: Keeping your installed packages up to date is essential for security and stability. The deb-get upgrade command allows you to upgrade all installed packages to their newest available versions.

Explanation: The deb-get upgrade command upgrades all installed packages to their newest available versions. It downloads the updated packages from the repositories or downloads and installs them on your system.

Example output:

Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information... Done
Calculating upgrade... Done
...

Use case 7: List all available packages

Code:

deb-get list

Motivation: When you want to explore the available packages in the repositories or downloads, the deb-get list command provides a comprehensive list of packages.

Explanation: The deb-get list command lists all available packages in the repositories or downloads. This includes packages from the official repositories as well as any third-party repositories you have configured.

Example output:

Package1
Package2
...

Conclusion:

The deb-get command provides a convenient way to manage .deb packages in Linux distributions that use apt-get. Through its various use cases, you can update package lists, search for packages, obtain package information, install and update packages, remove packages, upgrade installed packages, and list available packages. These functionalities greatly simplify the package management process, ensuring you have access to the latest and most suitable software for your system.