How to manage software packages on Linux

Packages are archives containing binaries, configuration files, and dependency information for software. A package manager automates software installation, upgrades, and configuration, keeping track of all installed packages and their versions.

This guide covers package management on the following distributions:

• Debian
• Ubuntu
• CentOS
• AlmaLinux

Before you start

To complete the actions presented below, you must have:

• A Dedibox account logged into the console
• A created and installed Dedibox server

Debian and Ubuntu: Using APT

On Debian and Ubuntu, use the APT (Advanced Package Tool) package manager.

How to update repositories

Update your package information with the following command:

sudo apt-get update

How to update packages

After updating your repositories, upgrade your packages:

sudo apt-get upgrade

How to search for packages

Search for specific software packages, such as MariaDB:

apt-cache search mariadb

How to install a package

Install a package, for example, MariaDB server:

sudo apt-get install mariadb-server

How to keep your system tidy

Remove unused dependencies:

sudo apt-get autoremove

How to uninstall a package

Remove a package, for example, MariaDB server:

sudo apt-get remove mariadb-server

To also remove all dependencies installed with the package:

sudo apt-get autoremove mariadb-server

CentOS and AlmaLinux: Using YUM/DNF

On CentOS and AlmaLinux, use the YUM (Yellowdog Updater, Modified) or DNF (Dandified YUM) package manager.

How to update repositories

Update your package information with the following command:

sudo yum update

Or, if using DNF:

sudo dnf update

How to update packages

After updating your repositories, upgrade your packages:

sudo yum upgrade

Or, if using DNF:

sudo dnf upgrade

How to search for packages

Search for specific software packages, such as MariaDB:

sudo yum search mariadb

Or, if using DNF:

sudo dnf search mariadb

How to install a package

Install a package, for example, MariaDB server:

sudo yum install mariadb-server

Or, if using DNF:

sudo dnf install mariadb-server

How to keep your system tidy

Remove unused dependencies:

sudo yum autoremove

Or, if using DNF:

sudo dnf autoremove

How to uninstall a package

Remove a package, for example, MariaDB server:

sudo yum remove mariadb-server

Or, if using DNF:

sudo dnf remove mariadb-server

To also remove all dependencies installed with the package:

sudo yum autoremove mariadb-server

Or, if using DNF:

sudo dnf autoremove mariadb-server