$ Linux Command

Packages

apt-sortpkgs

Sort Debian package index or source files.

aptpackagedebiansortmetadata

Additional Notes

apt-sortpkgs sorts Debian package metadata files such as package index stanzas. It is mainly useful for repository metadata, packaging work, and maintaining readable package lists.

Most normal users do not need it for installing packages. It is more relevant when working with APT metadata files directly.

Syntax

apt-sortpkgs [options] file...

Parameters

  • file: Debian package metadata file to sort.
  • options: Sorting behavior flags.

Common Options

  • -s: Treat input as source package records.
  • -c FILE: Read an APT configuration file.
  • -o KEY=VALUE: Set an APT configuration option.
  • -h: Show help.

Examples

apt-sortpkgs Packages > Packages.sorted

Sort a binary package index file.

apt-sortpkgs -s Sources > Sources.sorted

Sort source package records.

Practical Notes

  • This command is for metadata formatting, not package installation.
  • Keep backups before rewriting repository metadata.
  • For normal package searches, use apt search, apt-cache search, or dpkg-query.