$ Linux Command

Packages

aptitude

Manage Debian packages with an interactive or command-line interface.

debianubuntupackageinstalltui

Additional Notes

aptitude is a Debian package manager with both command-line and text-user-interface modes. It can install, remove, upgrade, search, and resolve dependencies.

Some administrators like aptitude for its interactive dependency resolver. Many modern systems use apt or apt-get more often.

Syntax

aptitude [options]
aptitude [options] command [package...]

Parameters

  • command: Operation such as search, show, install, remove, or safe-upgrade.
  • package: Package name or search pattern.
  • options: Output, simulation, and resolver behavior flags.

Common Commands

  • No command: Open the interactive interface.
  • search PATTERN: Search packages.
  • show PACKAGE: Show package details.
  • install PACKAGE: Install a package.
  • remove PACKAGE: Remove a package.
  • purge PACKAGE: Remove package and configuration files.
  • safe-upgrade: Upgrade installed packages conservatively.
  • full-upgrade: Upgrade with broader dependency changes.

Common Options

  • -s: Simulate actions without changing the system.
  • -y: Assume yes for prompts.
  • -V: Show package versions.
  • -D: Show automatically installed or removed dependencies.

Examples

aptitude

Open the interactive package interface.

aptitude search nginx

Search for packages matching nginx.

sudo aptitude install nginx

Install a package.

sudo aptitude -s full-upgrade

Simulate a full upgrade.

Practical Notes

  • aptitude may not be installed by default.
  • Use simulation mode before large upgrades.
  • Avoid mixing too many package tools during one troubleshooting session unless you understand their state changes.