Difference Between APT, APT-GET, APT-CACHE and APT-CONFIG
apt, apt-get, apt-cache, and apt-config lie in some specific roles within the Debian package management system. Apt (Advanced Package Tool) is a high-level interface for managing software packages combining the functionalities of apt-get and apt-cache. In this article, we discuss on each component and its play of distinct roles in Debian systems.
Table of Content
- What is Package manager?
- Using apt-get/apt command
- APT-CACHE
- APT-CONFIG
- What is the difference between apt cache and apt file?
What is a Package manager?
Package Manager is a tool (either CLI tool or GUI tool) that helps in managing the packages and software in an operating system. Package Manager provides services like Configuration, Installation, Removing/Uninstalling/Erasing of any kind of software packages. Mostly these tools are linked with online repositories where different software packages are stored related to the operating system. It is just like the Google Play Store in mobiles and Microsoft Store in Windows. But it is much easier to manage these tools mostly based on Linux operating system. The above-mentioned name is also package management tools. Some are advance and structured and some are limited.
What is APT?
apt is a CLI package manager tool which after the apt-get and apt-cache but this tool is much more structured and advance. This tool has omitted the requirement to get and cache. This could perform all the tasks to get and cache as well as can perform some more advance and stable commands.
What is APT-GET/APT?
apt-get is a CLI package management tool. This tool is Debian based and used in different Debian based operating systems like Ubuntu, Kali Linux, etc. Even though both apt and apt-get tool is available in every Debian based os.
Using apt-get/apt command
1. To install a package.
apt-get install firefox
( or )
apt install firefox
- The following screenshot illustrates on installation of firefox on systems.
2. To remove a package.
apt-get remove firefox
( or )
apt remove firefox
- The following screenshot illustrates on uninstallation of firefox on systems.
3. To remove a package along with its configuration files.
apt-get purge firefox
( or )
apt purge firefox
- The following screenshot illustrates on removing of packages with its configuration files.
4. Remove all the packages that are of no use.
apt-get autoremove
( or )
apt autoremove
- The following screenshot illustrates on removing all the packages that are of no use.
APT-CACHE
apt-cache is a CLI tool for searching the apt software packages. This tool is also used to get information about different packages.
1. To search for the package details.
apt-cache search firefox
( or )
apt search firefox
- The following screenshot illustrates on searching for the packages.
2. To get in-depth package details.
apt-cache show firefox
( or )
apt show firefox
- The following screenshot illustrates on getting in-depth packages with detailing.
APT-CONFIG
apt-config is a cli tool to the configuration settings for different apt software packages. This helps in better understanding and implementing different configuration settings. This is mainly intended for shell scripting and debugging.
shell - get configuration values via shell evaluation.
dump - show the active configuration setting.
- The following screenshot illustrates on configuring the settings of different softwares.
What is the difference between apt cache and apt file?
The following are the differences between apt cache and apt files:
| Aspect | Apt Cache | Apt Files |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Stores downloaded package files locally | Provides information about packages available in repositories |
| Operation | Used for searching package information without changing system state | Performs package management operations that change the system |
| Usage | Primarily used for querying package information and searching | Used for package management operations like installation, removal, and upgrades |
| Command Line Tools | Command line tool like apt-cache |
Command line tool like apt |
Linux apt-Cache – FAQs
Is it OK to delete apt cache?
Yes, it’s safe to delete apt cache using `sudo apt-get clean`
Where is the apt cache stored?
The apt cache is stored in `/var/cache/apt/archives` directory
How to use apt cacher?
Apt cacher is used to cache packages locally, speeding up package installations across multiple systems
How do I clear unwanted cache in Linux?
Apt cache stores downloaded package files, while apt file provides information about packages available in repositories
What happens if I delete application cache?
Clear unwanted cache in Linux using `sudo apt-get clean` or manually deleting files from `/var/cache/apt/archives`
Why should I delete my cache?
Clearing cache can improve system performance, fix loading issues on websites, and ensure apps run smoothly by removing unnecessary or outdated temporary files.