How to use the command `urpmf` (with examples)

The urpmf command is a part of the URPMI suite of tools used in Mageia Linux distribution for managing packages. This command allows users to search for files within packages and query for specific information about them. It serves as a helpful utility for gaining insights into package contents and other relevant metadata, facilitating efficient package management and discovery. This article will showcase several use cases demonstrating how urpmf can be utilized effectively.

Use case 1: Search for packages that contain a file

Code:

urpmf filename

Motivation:
Suppose you are trying to diagnose an issue with a specific application, and you know the name of a configuration file or executable that might be causing the problem. By using urpmf, you can quickly identify which package provides this file. This information is crucial as it aids in uncovering whether you have the necessary packages installed or if they need to be updated or reinstalled.

Explanation:

• urpmf: This is the command used to search files within packages.
• filename: The specific name of the file you are searching for within packages. Replace this with the actual name of the file you want to locate.

Example Output:

libexample1-1.0-1.mga8.x86_64: /usr/lib/libexample.so
app-tools-2.5-3.mga8.noarch: /etc/app/app.conf

This output indicates the precise packages where the searched filenames are contained, making it straightforward to trace back installed files to their source packages.

Use case 2: Search for packages that contain both a keyword and another in their summaries

Code:

urpmf --summary keyword1 -a keyword2

Motivation:
When you are investigating software packages that fit a particular set of functionalities or features, using urpmf with multiple keywords allows you to refine your search. This might be especially useful when looking for software that must meet two related but distinct criteria.

Explanation:

• --summary: This option restricts the search to the summary of packages, providing a quick overview of package functions.
• keyword1: The first keyword you are using in the search.
• -a: The logical “and” operator ensures that both keywords must appear.
• keyword2: The second keyword you are searching for that must also be part of the summary.

Example Output:

pkgmanager-1.4-2.mga8.noarch: pkgmanager - An example package manager with support for automation

The result shows packages whose summaries contain all specified keywords, offering a concise list of potentially relevant packages.

Use case 3: Search for packages that contain a keyword or another in their descriptions

Code:

urpmf --description keyword1 -o keyword2

Motivation:
This use case is helpful when you have one or more criteria in mind and are looking for potential matches that satisfy at least one of these criteria. It broadens the search to include packages that might not perfectly satisfy all conditions but fulfill at least one.

Explanation:

• --description: This option means that the search is performed on the package descriptions.
• keyword1: The first keyword in the search.
• -o: The logical “or” operator ensures that at least one of the keywords should appear.
• keyword2: The second keyword that may appear in the description.

Example Output:

toolkit-lib-2.1-1.mga8.x86_64: Toolkit library providing essential graphical elements or printing support
utility-scripts-1.0-9.mga8.noarch: Collection of useful scripts for automation

The output here includes packages where either of the specified keywords appears in their descriptions, giving a broader range of possibilities.

Use case 4: Search for packages that do not contain a keyword in their name ignoring case distinction using “|” as the field separator

Code:

urpmf --description ! keyword -F'|'

Motivation:
Sometimes, it is crucial to find packages that do not meet certain conditions, especially when cleaning up or auditing installed software. This negative search capability helps exclude packages with specific attributes from your considerations.

Explanation:

• --description: Indicating that the search should be conducted over package descriptions.
• !: The negation operator indicates the search is for packages not containing the keyword.
• keyword: The term that should not appear in package names.
• -F'|': Sets “|” as the field separator, facilitating clearer parsing of the output.

Example Output:

syslib-3.4-6.mga8.x86_64|Common system libraries without the additional debug functionalities

In this output, packages that do not contain the specified keyword in their name are returned, which is particularly useful during exclusion searches.

Conclusion:

The urpmf command proves to be a versatile tool in the arsenal of anyone using the Mageia Linux distribution. Through various options and parameters, urpmf allows refined searching based on file contents, package summaries, descriptions, and even excludes particular keywords. Implementing these commands helps streamline package management tasks, identify necessary packages, and assist in debugging or software audits.