How to use the command 'pkcon' (with examples)

The ‘pkcon’ command is a command line client for PackageKit, a console program used by Discover and Gnome software. It is an alternative to ‘apt’ and provides a convenient way to manage packages in Linux distributions. This article will illustrate various use cases of the ‘pkcon’ command with examples.

1. Install a package

Code:

pkcon install <package>

Motivation: Installing a package is a common task when working with Linux distributions. The ‘pkcon install’ command provides an easy way to install packages without the need for a graphical package manager.

Explanation:

• ‘pkcon’: the command name
• ‘install’: the command option to install a package
• ‘’: the name of the package to be installed

Example output:

Installing package: <package>
Downloading [=========================] (100%)
Installing [=========================] (100%)
Installed: <package>

2. Remove a package

Code:

pkcon remove <package>

Motivation: Removing unnecessary packages is important for managing disk space and keeping the system tidy. The ‘pkcon remove’ command provides a simple way to uninstall packages.

Explanation:

• ‘pkcon’: the command name
• ‘remove’: the command option to remove a package
• ‘’: the name of the package to be removed

Example output:

Removing package: <package>
Removing [=========================] (100%)
Removed: <package>

3. Refresh the package cache

Code:

pkcon refresh

Motivation: Refreshing the package cache ensures that the system is up to date with the latest package information. This is necessary before installing or updating packages.

Explanation:

• ‘pkcon’: the command name
• ‘refresh’: the command option to refresh the package cache

Example output:

Refreshing package cache...
Cache refreshed successfully.

4. Update packages

Code:

pkcon update

Motivation: Keeping packages up to date is crucial for security and performance. The ‘pkcon update’ command allows users to easily update packages without the need for a graphical package manager.

Explanation:

• ‘pkcon’: the command name
• ‘update’: the command option to update packages

Example output:

Updating packages...
Checking for updates...
Updating [=========================] (100%)
Packages updated successfully.

5. Search for a specific package

Code:

pkcon search <package>

Motivation: Finding specific packages in a vast repository can sometimes be a daunting task. The ‘pkcon search’ command enables users to search for packages based on specified criteria.

Explanation:

• ‘pkcon’: the command name
• ‘search’: the command option to search for a package
• ‘’: the name of the package to search for

Example output:

Searching for package: <package>
Package found: <package>

6. List all available packages

Code:

pkcon get-packages

Motivation: Getting an overview of all available packages can be useful for various purposes, such as exploring new software or checking for updates. The ‘pkcon get-packages’ command provides a list of all packages available in the repository.

Explanation:

• ‘pkcon’: the command name
• ‘get-packages’: the command option to retrieve all available packages

Example output:

Retrieving packages...
Package 1
Package 2
Package 3
...

Conclusion

The ‘pkcon’ command is a powerful tool for managing packages on Linux distributions. With the ability to install, remove, refresh, update, search, and list packages, users can easily and efficiently manage their software dependencies. Whether it’s installing a new package or keeping the system up to date, ‘pkcon’ provides a convenient alternative to graphical package managers.