apt Cheatsheet
Quick reference for apt package manager commands
Apt (Advanced Package Tool) is the default package manager for Debian-based Linux distributions including Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Debian. This cheatsheet covers essential commands for installing, updating, removing, and managing software packages.
Update & Upgrade
Keep your system up to date.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt update | Update package lists |
sudo apt upgrade | Upgrade installed packages |
sudo apt full-upgrade | Upgrade with removals |
sudo apt dist-upgrade | Smart upgrade |
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y | Update and upgrade |
Install Packages
Install new software packages.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt install package | Install package |
sudo apt install pkg1 pkg2 | Install multiple |
sudo apt install package=version | Install specific version |
sudo apt install -y package | Install without prompt |
sudo apt install ./file.deb | Install local .deb |
sudo apt reinstall package | Reinstall package |
Remove Packages
Uninstall software packages.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt remove package | Remove package |
sudo apt purge package | Remove with config |
sudo apt autoremove | Remove unused deps |
sudo apt autoremove --purge | Remove unused + config |
sudo apt clean | Clear package cache |
sudo apt autoclean | Clear old cache |
Search & Info
Find and learn about packages.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
apt search keyword | Search packages |
apt show package | Show package details |
apt-cache policy package | Show versions/sources |
apt-cache depends package | Show dependencies |
apt-cache rdepends package | Show reverse deps |
apt-cache madison package | Show available versions |
List Packages
View installed and available packages.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
apt list --installed | List installed |
apt list --upgradable | List upgradable |
apt list package | List specific package |
apt list --all-versions pkg | All versions |
dpkg -l | List all (dpkg) |
dpkg -l | grep keyword | Search installed |
Package Files
Find which package owns a file.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
dpkg -S /path/to/file | Find package owner |
dpkg -L package | List package files |
apt-file search filename | Search by filename |
apt-file list package | List files in pkg |
apt-file update | Update file database |
Repositories
Manage package sources.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:user/repo | Add PPA |
sudo add-apt-repository -r ppa:user/repo | Remove PPA |
sudo apt edit-sources | Edit sources.list |
apt-cache policy | Show repositories |
Sources File
Configure package sources manually.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
/etc/apt/sources.list | Main sources file |
/etc/apt/sources.list.d/ | Additional sources |
deb http://... distro main | Binary packages |
deb-src http://... distro main | Source packages |
Hold Packages
Prevent packages from upgrading.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt-mark hold package | Hold package |
sudo apt-mark unhold package | Unhold package |
apt-mark showhold | Show held packages |
sudo apt-mark auto package | Mark as auto |
sudo apt-mark manual package | Mark as manual |
Download Only
Download packages without installing.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
apt download package | Download .deb |
apt source package | Download source |
sudo apt install -d package | Download only |
apt-get --download-only upgrade | Download upgrades |
Fix Problems
Resolve package issues.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt --fix-broken install | Fix broken deps |
sudo apt install -f | Fix broken deps |
sudo dpkg --configure -a | Configure pending |
sudo apt clean && sudo apt update | Clear and refresh |
sudo apt --fix-missing install | Fix missing |
DEB Packages
Work with .deb files directly.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
sudo dpkg -i file.deb | Install .deb |
sudo dpkg -r package | Remove package |
sudo dpkg -P package | Purge package |
dpkg -I file.deb | Show .deb info |
dpkg -c file.deb | List .deb contents |
Simulate & Dry Run
Preview what will happen.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
apt install -s package | Simulate install |
apt upgrade -s | Simulate upgrade |
apt remove -s package | Simulate remove |
apt --dry-run install pkg | Dry run |
Cache Management
Manage the package cache.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt clean | Delete all cached |
sudo apt autoclean | Delete old cached |
du -sh /var/cache/apt/archives | Cache size |
/var/cache/apt/archives/ | Cache location |
Configuration
Configure apt behavior.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
/etc/apt/apt.conf | Main config |
/etc/apt/apt.conf.d/ | Config directory |
APT::Get::Assume-Yes "true"; | Auto yes |
Acquire::http::Proxy "http://..."; | Set proxy |
Useful Combinations
Common command patterns.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y | Full update |
sudo apt autoremove && sudo apt autoclean | Cleanup |
apt list --installed | wc -l | Count installed |
sudo apt install --reinstall package | Reinstall |