Comprehensive Guide to Using synopkg for Synology DSM (with examples)

Synopkg is a versatile package management utility specifically designed for Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM). This utility allows users to perform a myriad of package management tasks, from installation to maintenance, thereby significantly enhancing the system’s functionality and ensuring the smooth operation of various applications on Synology NAS devices. By utilizing synopkg, administrators can efficiently manage the applications that run on their systems, tailoring their NAS devices to meet unique needs or preferences.

List the Names of Installed Packages

Code:

synopkg list --name

Motivation:

Keeping track of installed packages on your Synology NAS is essential for maintaining optimal system performance and ensuring that all necessary applications are up to date. By listing the installed packages, you can quickly assess which applications are running and identify any that are no longer needed, thereby freeing up valuable resources.

Explanation:

• synopkg: The command-line tool for managing Synology packages.
• list: This argument is used to display a list of installed packages.
• --name: A flag that specifies only the names of the installed packages should be displayed, rather than detailed information.

Example Output:

docker
media-server
surveillance-station
plex

List Packages Which Depend on a Specific Package

Code:

synopkg list --depend-on package-name

Motivation:

Understanding dependencies is crucial when managing and troubleshooting packages on your Synology NAS. Knowing which applications rely on a specific package helps in making informed decisions about updates, modifications, or uninstallations to prevent breaking other applications.

Explanation:

• synopkg: The base utility for package management.
• list: This action is used here to enumerate packages.
• --depend-on: This flag directs synopkg to list all packages that have a dependency on the specified package.
• package-name: The name of the package you want to inquire about regarding dependency.

Example Output:

video-station
photo-station

Start/Stop a Package

Code:

sudo synopkg start|stop package-name

Motivation:

Managing the operational state of installed packages is a vital part of system administration. You might want to stop a package for maintenance purposes or start it after configuration changes. Using synopkg to start or stop packages allows for control over which services are actively consuming system resources.

Explanation:

• sudo: Ensures elevation of privileges, necessary for starting or stopping services.
• synopkg: The package management tool used here for controlling package states.
• start|stop: The command used to either initiate (start) or halt (stop) the specified package.
• package-name: Identifies which installed package you wish to start or stop.

Example Output:

Starting package: media-server
Package started successfully.

OR

Stopping package: media-server
Package stopped successfully.

Print the Status of a Package

Code:

synopkg status package-name

Motivation:

Checking the status of a package provides insight into whether it’s running correctly, stopped, or if any errors have occurred. This information is crucial for monitoring the health of services and for planning maintenance or troubleshooting tasks.

Explanation:

• synopkg: The command interface for interacting with packages.
• status: The function that retrieves and displays the current operational status of the package.
• package-name: The specific package whose status you wish to verify.

Example Output:

media-server: Running

Uninstall a Package

Code:

sudo synopkg uninstall package-name

Motivation:

Removing unused or unwanted packages can help optimize system performance and recover storage space. Uninstalling a package via synopkg provides a clean removal process, ensuring that all related files and dependencies are adequately addressed.

Explanation:

• sudo: Executes the command with the necessary administrative rights required for uninstalling processes.
• synopkg: The tool used to manage package installation and removal.
• uninstall: This command uninstalls the specified package from the system.
• package-name: The name of the package you want to remove.

Example Output:

Uninstalling package: photo-station
Package uninstallation completed.

Check if Updates are Available for a Package

Code:

synopkg checkupdate package-name

Motivation:

Regularly checking for available updates is a proactive measure that ensures packages are running with the latest features, improvements, and security patches. Staying up-to-date helps mitigate potential vulnerabilities and stability issues.

Explanation:

• synopkg: Manages package-related tasks.
• checkupdate: The function that queries if there is an update available for the specified package.
• package-name: The individual package to check for updates.

Example Output:

No updates available for docker.

Upgrade All Packages to the Latest Version

Code:

sudo synopkg upgradeall

Motivation:

Upgrading all packages ensures that your entire system benefits from the latest enhancements and fixes across all applications. This consolidation of updates supports broad stability improvements and takes advantage of new features as they become available.

Explanation:

• sudo: Executes the upgrade process with administrative privileges.
• synopkg: The comprehensive tool utilized for upgrading packages.
• upgradeall: Command instructing synopkg to look for and apply updates to all installed packages.

Example Output:

Upgrading package: plex
Plex updated successfully.
Upgrading package: media-server
Media server updated successfully.

Install a Package from a synopkg File

Code:

sudo synopkg install path/to/package.spk

Motivation:

Installing a package from a .spk file allows users to manually add new applications, test specific versions, or install packages not available in the default Synology Package Center. This capability affords users more control over their NAS functionality and customization.

Explanation:

• sudo: Again, provides the necessary permissions for installation processes.
• synopkg: The Synology package manager.
• install: The command that tells synopkg to install the package specified by the file.
• path/to/package.spk: The location and name of the .spk file containing the Synology package to be installed.

Example Output:

Installing package: custom-app
Package custom-app installed successfully.

Conclusion

Using synopkg for package management on Synology DSM equips users with powerful tools for administering, updating, and customizing their network attached storage systems. Whether you’re listing installed packages, managing dependencies, or ensuring that applications are current, synopkg offers a comprehensive solution that enhances operational oversight and flexibility. By mastering these use cases, users can effectively optimize their NAS environments to serve their specific needs and preferences.