apt-get Command
Beginner Package Management man(1)Low-level package handling for Debian systems
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📅 Updated: Apr 29, 2026
SYNTAX
apt-get [OPTION]... COMMAND [PACKAGE]...
What Does apt-get Do?
apt-get is the traditional Debian/Ubuntu package management command. It handles package installation, removal, upgrading, and dependency resolution. While apt is now preferred for interactive use, apt-get remains the standard for scripts.
apt-get has stable, parseable output that does not change between releases, making it reliable in automated scripts, CI/CD pipelines, and Dockerfiles. Its behavior is well-documented and predictable.
apt-get preceded the apt command and provides the same core functionality with a more scriptable interface.
apt-get has stable, parseable output that does not change between releases, making it reliable in automated scripts, CI/CD pipelines, and Dockerfiles. Its behavior is well-documented and predictable.
apt-get preceded the apt command and provides the same core functionality with a more scriptable interface.
Options & Flags
| Option | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| update | Update package lists | sudo apt-get update |
| upgrade | Upgrade packages | sudo apt-get upgrade -y |
| dist-upgrade | Smart upgrade (handles dependencies) | sudo apt-get dist-upgrade -y |
| install | Install packages | sudo apt-get install -y nginx |
| remove | Remove packages | sudo apt-get remove nginx |
| purge | Remove with config files | sudo apt-get purge nginx |
| autoremove | Remove unused dependencies | sudo apt-get autoremove -y |
| --no-install-recommends | Skip recommended packages | sudo apt-get install --no-install-recommends nginx |
Practical Examples
#1 Install in Docker
Standard Dockerfile pattern: update, install, cleanup.
$ RUN apt-get update && apt-get install -y --no-install-recommends curl wget && rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/*#2 Non-interactive install
Installs without interactive prompts (for scripts).
$ DEBIAN_FRONTEND=noninteractive apt-get install -y tzdata#3 Install specific version
Installs a specific version of a package.
$ sudo apt-get install nginx=1.24.0-1#4 Download only
Downloads packages without installing.
$ sudo apt-get install -d nginx#5 Fix broken dependencies
Attempts to fix broken package dependencies.
$ sudo apt-get install -fTips & Best Practices
Use in scripts, apt for terminal: apt-get has stable output for scripts and automation. apt has nicer output for interactive use.
Dockerfile pattern: Always combine update and install in one RUN command in Dockerfiles, and clean up /var/lib/apt/lists/* to reduce image size.
-y flag in scripts: Always use -y in scripts to auto-confirm. Without it, apt-get waits for input that never comes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use apt-get vs apt?
Use apt interactively (nicer output). Use apt-get in scripts, Dockerfiles, and automation (stable output format).
How do I fix broken packages?
sudo apt-get install -f attempts to fix broken dependencies. sudo dpkg --configure -a fixes interrupted installations.
How do I install without recommended packages?
sudo apt-get install --no-install-recommends package. Reduces installed dependencies — useful in Docker/minimal systems.
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