How to manage software packages on Linux

Packages are archives containing binaries, configuration files, and dependency information for software. A package manager automates software installation, upgrades, and configuration, keeping track of all installed packages and their versions.

This guide covers package management on the following distributions:

• Debian
• Ubuntu
• CentOS
• AlmaLinux

Before you startLink to this anchor

To complete the actions presented below, you must have:

• A Dedibox account logged into the console
• A created and installed Dedibox server

Debian and Ubuntu: Using APTLink to this anchor

On Debian and Ubuntu, use the APT (Advanced Package Tool) package manager.

How to update repositoriesLink to this anchor

Update your package information with the following command:

sudo apt-get update

How to update packagesLink to this anchor

After updating your repositories, upgrade your packages:

sudo apt-get upgrade

How to search for packagesLink to this anchor

Search for specific software packages, such as MariaDB:

apt-cache search mariadb

How to install a packageLink to this anchor

Install a package, for example, MariaDB server:

sudo apt-get install mariadb-server

How to keep your system tidyLink to this anchor

Remove unused dependencies:

sudo apt-get autoremove

How to uninstall a packageLink to this anchor

Remove a package, for example, MariaDB server:

sudo apt-get remove mariadb-server

To also remove all dependencies installed with the package:

sudo apt-get autoremove mariadb-server

CentOS and AlmaLinux: Using YUM/DNFLink to this anchor

On CentOS and AlmaLinux, use the YUM (Yellowdog Updater, Modified) or DNF (Dandified YUM) package manager.

How to update repositoriesLink to this anchor

Update your package information with the following command:

sudo yum update

Or, if using DNF:

sudo dnf update

How to update packagesLink to this anchor

After updating your repositories, upgrade your packages:

sudo yum upgrade

Or, if using DNF:

sudo dnf upgrade

How to search for packagesLink to this anchor

Search for specific software packages, such as MariaDB:

sudo yum search mariadb

Or, if using DNF:

sudo dnf search mariadb

How to install a packageLink to this anchor

Install a package, for example, MariaDB server:

sudo yum install mariadb-server

Or, if using DNF:

sudo dnf install mariadb-server

How to keep your system tidyLink to this anchor

Remove unused dependencies:

sudo yum autoremove

Or, if using DNF:

sudo dnf autoremove

How to uninstall a packageLink to this anchor

Remove a package, for example, MariaDB server:

sudo yum remove mariadb-server

Or, if using DNF:

sudo dnf remove mariadb-server

To also remove all dependencies installed with the package:

sudo yum autoremove mariadb-server

Or, if using DNF:

sudo dnf autoremove mariadb-server