Linux 114: Package Management with APT, YUM, and DNF

Linux 114: Package Management with APT, YUM, and DNF

One of the core strengths of Linux is its powerful package management systems. Whether you're using a Debian-based system or a Red Hat-based system, understanding how to install, update, and manage packages is essential for system administration. In this article, we’ll explore the most commonly used package managers: APT, YUM, and DNF.

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1. What is a Package Manager?

A package manager automates the process of:

• Installing software
• Updating software
• Resolving dependencies
• Removing unneeded packages

Each Linux distribution typically uses a different tool:

• APT: Debian, Ubuntu
• YUM: CentOS 6/7, RHEL 6/7
• DNF: Fedora, CentOS 8+, RHEL 8+

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2. Working with APT (Debian, Ubuntu)

Update Package Lists

sudo apt update

Upgrade All Installed Packages

sudo apt upgrade

Install a Package

sudo apt install nginx

Remove a Package

sudo apt remove nginx

Remove a Package and Its Configuration Files

sudo apt purge nginx

Search for a Package

apt search htop

Show Package Details

apt show htop

Clean Up Unused Packages

sudo apt autoremove
sudo apt clean

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3. Working with YUM (CentOS 6/7, RHEL 6/7)

YUM is deprecated in newer versions, but still widely used in legacy systems.

Update All Packages

sudo yum update

Install a Package

sudo yum install httpd

Remove a Package

sudo yum remove httpd

Search for a Package

yum search nano

Get Info About a Package

yum info nano

List All Installed Packages

yum list installed

Clean the Cache

sudo yum clean all

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4. Working with DNF (Fedora, CentOS 8+, RHEL 8+)

DNF is the modern replacement for YUM, offering better performance, dependency resolution, and features.

Update Package Lists and Upgrade

sudo dnf upgrade

Install a Package

sudo dnf install nginx

Remove a Package

sudo dnf remove nginx

Search for a Package

dnf search git

Show Package Info

dnf info git

List Installed Packages

dnf list installed

Clean Package Cache

sudo dnf clean all

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5. Repositories and Third-Party Software

Each package manager uses repositories (repos) to find and install packages.

• APT Sources: /etc/apt/sources.list and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/
• YUM/DNF Repos: /etc/yum.repos.d/*.repo

Add a third-party repo (APT example):

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:deadsnakes/ppa
sudo apt update

Add a DNF repo:

sudo dnf config-manager --add-repo=https://download.example.com/repo.repo

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6. Handling Dependencies and Conflicts

APT, YUM, and DNF automatically resolve dependencies. If you encounter conflicts:

• Use apt-get -f install to fix broken dependencies (APT).
• Use dnf repoquery --requires <pkg> to inspect dependencies (DNF).
• Use yum deplist <pkg> for detailed dependencies (YUM).

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7. Best Practices

• Always update package lists before installing.
• Avoid forcing installations unless you understand the consequences.
• Clean up unused packages and cache regularly.
• Use official or trusted third-party repositories only.

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8. Conclusion

Mastering your package manager is essential for system stability and efficiency. Whether you're managing a Debian-based or Red Hat-based system, APT, YUM, and DNF give you powerful tools to control your software environment.

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Next Steps:

• Learn about Snap and Flatpak for universal Linux package formats.
• Explore unattended upgrades for automatic security updates.
• Dive into building your own .deb or .rpm packages.

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Stay tuned for the next article in the series:
Linux 115: Setting Up a Web Server with Apache or Nginx