APT vs APT-GET What\'s Difference

If you're a Linux user, you may have come across the terms APT and APT-GET before. While both terms refer to package managers used to install and manage software on Debian-based Linux distributions like Ubuntu, they have some key differences. In this article, we'll explore the differences between APT and APT-GET, and how they affect the way you manage software on your system.

What is APT?

APT, short for Advanced Package Tool, is a command-line package manager used on Debian-based Linux distributions. It's the primary package manager used on Ubuntu, and it can be used to install, update, and remove software packages on your system. APT is built on top of a package management system called DPKG, which handles the installation and removal of individual packages.

One of the primary benefits of using APT is its ability to handle package dependencies. When you install a package using APT, it automatically installs any other packages that are required for that package to run. This ensures that all necessary dependencies are met, and that software runs smoothly on your system.

Another advantage of APT is its ability to manage repositories. A repository is a collection of software packages that are hosted online, and APT can be configured to use one or more repositories to install software on your system. This makes it easy to install software from different sources, and ensures that you have access to the latest versions of software you need.

What is APT-GET?

APT-GET is a command-line tool that is part of the APT package manager system. It's used to install, update, and remove packages from your system, much like APT. However, APT-GET is a more low-level tool that gives you more control over the package management process.

When you use APT-GET to install a package, it downloads the package from a repository and installs it on your system. However, it doesn't automatically install any dependencies that the package requires. Instead, you need to use the sudo apt-get install -f command to install any missing dependencies.

APT-GET can also be used to perform other package management tasks, such as updating your system, removing packages, and cleaning up package files that are no longer needed.

Key Differences Between APT and APT-GET

While APT and APT-GET are both package managers used on Debian-based Linux distributions, there are some key differences between the two:

Command Comparison

Examples

Installing a Package with APT

To install a package using APT, simply run the following command:

sudo apt install chromium-browser

APT will automatically download and install any dependencies required for Chromium to run.

Installing a Package with APT-GET

To install a package using APT-GET, you typically need to update the package list first:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install gimp

If there are missing dependencies, you'll need to run:

sudo apt-get install -f

System Updates

Using APT:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Using APT-GET:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade

Which Should You Use?

For most users, APT is the recommended choice because it provides a more user-friendly experience with better progress indication, colored output, and automatic dependency resolution. APT-GET remains useful for scripting and situations where you need more granular control over the package management process.

The choice between APT and APT-GET often comes down to personal preference and specific use cases. New users should start with APT, while experienced system administrators might prefer APT-GET for automation scripts.

Conclusion

APT and APT-GET are both powerful package management tools for Debian-based systems. APT offers a more modern, user-friendly interface with automatic dependency handling, while APT-GET provides more granular control over the package management process. Understanding both tools will help you effectively manage software on your Linux system.