How to Modify Software in Debian and Ubuntu Using APT

A Complete Guide to Adding, Removing, and Updating Software via the Terminal

APT (Advanced Package Tool) is a powerful command-line tool used to manage software packages on Debian-based systems like Ubuntu. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned Linux user, mastering apt can significantly streamline your workflow.

This guide will walk you through the most essential APT commands to add, remove, and update software on Debian and Ubuntu.

What is APT?

APT is a command-line interface for managing .deb packages. It handles the installation, updating, upgrading, and removal of software on your system by fetching information from configured software repositories.

How to Add (Install) Software

To install software using apt, use the following command:

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sudo apt install <package-name>

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Example:

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sudo apt install vlc

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This command installs the VLC media player. APT will automatically download the package and its dependencies from the repositories.

Tip: You can install multiple packages at once:

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sudo apt install git curl htop

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How to Remove Software

To uninstall a package from your system:

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sudo apt remove <package-name>

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Example:

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sudo apt remove vlc

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This removes the VLC application but keeps the configuration files.

To remove both the package and its configuration files:

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sudo apt purge <package-name>

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Use purge when you want to completely erase traces of a program.

How to Update Package Lists

Before installing or updating any package, it’s good practice to refresh the package index:

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sudo apt update

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This command pulls the latest package listings from all configured repositories, ensuring you're getting the most up-to-date software.

How to Upgrade Installed Software

To upgrade your installed packages to their latest versions:

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sudo apt upgrade

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This will apply the latest versions of software, keeping your system secure and stable.

Security Tip: Run this regularly to apply security patches and feature updates.

Full System Upgrade

To perform a more comprehensive upgrade that includes package removals and additions:

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sudo apt full-upgrade

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This command is useful when you need to upgrade between major OS versions or handle large dependency changes.

Clean Up Unused Packages

When you remove software, some dependencies may linger. Use this command to clean them up:

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sudo apt autoremove

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This removes unused libraries and packages no longer needed by any installed software.

View Package Info

To learn more about a specific package:

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apt show <package-name>

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This command provides detailed information like the version, dependencies, maintainer, and a short description.

Search for Packages

Looking for a package but don’t know the exact name? Use:

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apt search <keyword>

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Example:

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apt search image editor

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Summary of Key APT Commands

Action:

Command

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Update repo index:

sudo apt update

Install software:

sudo apt install <package-name>

Remove software:

sudo apt remove <package-name>

Purge software:

sudo apt purge <package-name>

Upgrade packages:

sudo apt upgrade

Full upgrade:

sudo apt full-upgrade

Autoremove unused:

sudo apt autoremove

Show package info:

apt show <package-name>

Search for package:

apt search <keyword>

Final Tips

• Always run sudo apt update before installing or upgrading.
• Regularly perform apt upgrade to keep your system secure.
• Use apt autoremove to keep your system clean from junk packages.

Be cautious with full-upgrade, especially on production systems, as it may remove some packages.

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