Linux Package Managers In 2 Minutes

Linux Package Managers In 2 Minutes

Package Managers Options (with reference to Ubuntu)

  • apt or apt-get
  • snap
  • software centre

Apt vs Snap

Apt

  • Dependencies are shared (i.e. smaller size)
  • Linux distro specific packages (.deb)
  • Manual Updates

Snap

  • It provides self contained packages (i.e.larger size)
  • Package includes all its dependencies
  • Supports universal linux packages (.snap)
  • Provides auto-updates
  • snapcraft (command & framework used to build & publish snaps)

Disadvantages (snap): If multiple apps have the same dependencies, they will be downloaded multiple times. Therefore, you should go with apt whenever possible.

PPA

  • a.k.a Personal Package Archive
  • Provided by the communities
  • Anybody can create & share their repo to distribute their software

Types Of Package Managers

Package managers can be broadly classified on the basis of distros:

Debian Based

  • apt
  • apt-get

Arch Based

  • packman

Red Hat Based

  • yum