Understanding the 'dpigs' Command for Package Management (with Examples)

The dpigs command is a helpful utility for users of apt-based systems who want to manage and optimize their package installations. It provides insights into which installed packages are taking up the most space, helping users make informed decisions about which packages might need removal or optimization. This command is particularly useful for administrators looking to maintain efficiency and ensure optimal usage of system storage.

Display the N Largest Packages on the System

Code:

dpigs --lines=N

Motivation:

Understanding which installed packages consume the most disk space is crucial for maintaining a clean and efficient system. By identifying these space-hogging packages, you can decide whether to keep, remove, or replace them with more efficient alternatives. This is especially valuable for systems with limited storage or in environments where disk usage needs to be tightly controlled.

Explanation:

• --lines=N: This argument specifies the number of top entries you want to display. The N represents how many of the largest packages you wish to retrieve information on. For example, using --lines=10 will show you the top ten largest packages, providing a clear overview of those taking up the most space on your system.

Example Output:

1	702.5M	linux-image-4.15.0-122-generic
2	562.3M	linux-firmware
3	250.8M	chromium-browser
4	230.9M	libreoffice-core
5	210.5M	zoom
6	190.4M	gimp
7	180.2M	intellij-idea-community
8	170.1M	ms-gsl
9	160.0M	docker-ce
10	150.7M	visual-studio-code

Use a Specific File Instead of the Default dpkg Status File

Code:

dpigs --status=path/to/file

Motivation:

There might be situations where you have a customized dpkg status file or a backup of the status file that you wish to analyze. Using a specific status file allows you to explore package information in environments separate from the default status file, offering flexibility for testing or historical comparisons.

Explanation:

• --status=path/to/file: This specifies a custom path to a dpkg status file that differs from the default. By defining this path, you can instruct dpigs to analyze a specific snapshot or instance of package data, which is useful for reviewing changes over time or under different system conditions.

Example Output:

1	1.2G	sublime-text-3
2	800.5M	slack-desktop
3	750.6M	linux-libc-dev
4	500.0M	somelib-dev
5	445.3M	docker-compose
...

Display the Largest Source Packages of Binary Packages Installed on the System

Code:

dpigs --source

Motivation:

Source packages bundle necessary files to compile or build software from scratch. Knowing which source packages are the largest can help manage dependencies better and optimize compilation processes. This is particularly relevant for developers or users who regularly compile software.

Explanation:

• --source: Activating this command toggles the display from binary packages (which are executed directly) to source packages (which are used to create binaries). This view is crucial for development environments where keeping efficient source code installations is crucial.

Example Output:

1	850.6M	firefox-source
2	700.0M	gnome-shell-source
3	650.8M	eclipse-platform
4	590.9M	llvm-toolchain-source
5	550.5M	qt5webkit-source
...

Display Package Sizes in Human-Readable Format

Code:

dpigs --human-readable

Motivation:

Disk space and package size data represented in a human-readable format are more accessible and straightforward for most users. It enables quick interpretations without needing to manually convert bytes or kilobytes into more understandable units like megabytes or gigabytes.

Explanation:

• --human-readable: This flag adjusts the output so that sizes are shown using units such as kilobytes (K), megabytes (M), and gigabytes (G), making the data more digestible at a glance.

Example Output:

1	1.1G	chromium-browser
2	950.5M	intellij-idea-community
3	725.3M	zoom
4	650.7M	libreoffice-core
5	550.9M	linux-image-4.18.0-25-generic
...

Display Help

Code:

dpigs --help

Motivation:

If you’re new to dpigs or need a quick refresh on how to use the command and its various options, the help command is valuable. It provides a succinct overview of the available flags and arguments, serving as a handy reference without needing to search online or through manuals.

Explanation:

• --help: This argument is used to display all available options and arguments for the dpigs command. It’s an essential feature for anyone who might need guidance or reminders on using dpigs effectively.

Example Output:

Usage: dpigs [options]
dpigs --help
dpigs --version
dpigs --lines=N
dpigs --status=path/to/file
dpigs --source
dpigs --human-readable
...

Conclusion:

The dpigs command is an invaluable tool for users and administrators of apt-based systems, offering insights into disk space usage by packages. By providing detailed breakdowns of package sizes and allowing flexible data sources, it supports better resource management, enabling systems to remain efficient and responsive. Whether for cleaning up disk space, understanding package dependencies, or analyzing custom configurations, dpigs provides the necessary functionality.