How to Use the Command 'xbps-query' (with Examples)

XBPS, or the X Binary Package System, is the package management system used by Void Linux. It is designed to quickly and efficiently install, remove, and query packages. The xbps-query command is a part of this system and plays a critical role in querying package and repository information. This powerful utility allows you to search for packages, display detailed package information, and list packages present in your system. Below, we will explore various use cases for the xbps-query command, complete with motivation and examples.

Use Case 1: Search for a Package in Remote Repositories Using a Regular Expression or Keyword

Code:

xbps-query --search keyword --repository --regex

Motivation:

Imagine you want to find a package that contains a specific tool or utility, but you’re not sure about the exact name. Instead of manually browsing through a list of packages, you can use a keyword or a regular expression to search the remote repositories for a match.

Explanation:

• --search: This flag tells xbps-query to perform a search for packages in the repository. The search term can be a keyword or regular expression.
• keyword|regular_expression: This is the search term used to find matching packages. The use of regular expressions can help match similar or related package names.
• --repository: This flag specifies that the search should be conducted in remote repositories rather than in the local installed packages.
• --regex: If included, this flag indicates that the keyword is a regular expression, allowing for more flexible and powerful search patterns.

Example Output:

Package: vim-8.2.3451_1
Description: Vi Improved, a highly configurable text editor
Repository: http://repo.voidlinux.eu/current

Use Case 2: Show Information About an Installed Package

Code:

xbps-query --show vim

Motivation:

Sometimes, you need detailed information about a package that is already installed on your system. This could be to verify the version, check dependencies, or read the package description to understand its functionality better.

Explanation:

• --show: This flag is used to display detailed information about a specified package.
• vim: This is the name of the installed package you want information on. Replace ‘vim’ with the package of interest.

Example Output:

Name: vim
Version: 8.2.3451_1
Description: Vi Improved, a highly configurable text editor
Architecture: x86_64
Repo: installed
Maintainer: John Doe <johndoe@voidlinux.eu>

Use Case 3: Show Information About a Package in Remote Repositories

Code:

xbps-query --show vim --repository

Motivation:

Before installing a package, it might be useful to know its size, dependencies, or any specific configurations. Using this command, you can fetch detailed information from the remote repositories.

Explanation:

• --show: This flag requests detailed information about the package.
• vim: Specifies the package name you want information on.
• --repository: Indicates that the information should be fetched from remote repositories, not from the locally installed packages.

Example Output:

Name: vim
Version: 8.2.3451_1
Description: Vi Improved, a highly configurable text editor
License: Charityware
Build-date: 2023-08-01 10:24 UTC

Use Case 4: List Packages Registered in the Package Database

Code:

xbps-query --list-pkgs

Motivation:

To get a comprehensive view of all packages currently installed on your system, utilize this command. It can be helpful for auditing, system cleanup, or just getting to know what’s available on your machine.

Explanation:

• --list-pkgs: This flag lists every package registered in the local package database, showing all installed packages.

Example Output:

vim-8.2.3451_1
nano-5.4_2
htop-3.0.5_1

Use Case 5: List Explicitly Installed Packages

Code:

xbps-query --list-manual-pkgs

Motivation:

Often, your system installs packages to satisfy dependencies of other packages. If you want to see only the packages that you manually installed (those not automatically installed as dependencies), use this command.

Explanation:

• --list-manual-pkgs: This flag restricts the list to packages that were explicitly installed by the user, omitting any installed merely as dependencies.

Example Output:

firefox-93.0_1
vlc-3.0.13_2
gimp-2.10.14_1

Conclusion

The xbps-query command is an essential tool for managing packages in Void Linux. Its ability to search, list, and show detailed information about packages enhances your control over package management. Whether you’re searching for new software, verifying installed packages, or managing your package database, xbps-query provides the necessary functionality to keep your system in tip-top shape.