Understanding the Difference Between apt and apt-get in Linux

When managing software packages on Debian-based Linux distributions, two commonly used command-line tools are apt and apt-get. Although they are often used interchangeably, there are important distinctions between them. In this blog, we will explore the differences between apt and apt-get, their respective functionalities, and when to use each.

Introduction

The Advanced Packaging Tool (APT) is a high-level package management tool in Debian-based Linux distributions, such as Debian, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and elementary OS. The APT tool includes several commands, with apt and apt-get being the most commonly used. Both of these tools help manage software packages like applications and libraries, enabling users to customize their Linux systems to meet specific requirements.

The apt Utility

The apt utility is a command-line interface for the package management system. It combines the most commonly used commands from apt-get and apt-cache, providing an interactive and user-friendly interface. Introduced in 2014 with the Debian 8 (Jessie) distribution, apt simplifies package management for users by offering intuitive commands and behaviors.

Updating Packages with apt

To fetch data on new updates for packages on the system, use the following command:

$ sudo apt update

Listing Packages with apt

To list all upgradeable packages, use the command:

$ sudo apt list --upgradeable

Upgrading and Installing Packages with apt

To upgrade all packages to the newest versions, use:

$ sudo apt upgrade -y

The apt command provides a progress bar and more detailed information, making it more user-friendly.

The apt-get Utility

The apt-get command is a lower-level tool released in 1998 with the Debian 2.0 (Hamm) distribution. It provides comprehensive options and functionalities for package management, making it suitable for advanced users and system administrators who need detailed control over the package management process.

Updating Packages with apt-get

To update the system repository, use:

$ sudo apt-get update

Upgrading and Installing Packages with apt-get

To upgrade all packages, use:

$ sudo apt-get upgrade -y

Similarities Between apt and apt-get

Interface

Both apt and apt-get are accessible via the Linux command line interface (CLI). To use the CLI, open a terminal window or virtual terminal window.

Documentation

For an overview of available commands, entering apt or apt-get at the command prompt provides a list of the most common commands and options. Both tools require administrative privileges (via sudo) for package management tasks.

Use Cases

Both tools are commonly used to install, update, and remove software packages. Here are some common command syntaxes:

• apt: sudo apt install <package-name>, sudo apt remove <package-name>, sudo apt upgrade, sudo apt update
• apt-get: sudo apt-get install <package-name>, sudo apt-get remove <package-name>, sudo apt-get upgrade, sudo apt-get update

Key Differences: apt vs. apt-get

User Interface and Output

• apt: Designed with the end-user in mind, apt offers a concise and readable output, featuring progress bars and colored text to enhance the user experience.
• apt-get: Provides more verbose and detailed output, beneficial for debugging and advanced package management tasks but potentially overwhelming for new users.

Command Syntax and Usability

• apt: Combines functionalities from multiple APT tools, making it a one-stop solution for common package management tasks. It includes commands like apt update, apt upgrade, apt install, and apt remove.
• apt-get: Requires separate commands for different tasks, such as apt-get update, apt-get upgrade, apt-get install, and apt-get remove, offering more control but at the cost of simplicity.

Search Capabilities

• apt: Allows searching for packages by name using apt search <package-name>, providing detailed descriptions.
• apt-get: Does not support search directly; users had to use the apt-cache command instead.

Dependency Resolution

• apt: Handles complex dependency chains more efficiently, installing packages in the correct order and recommending suggested packages.
• apt-get: Manages dependencies but not as effectively as apt.

Package Versions on the File System

• apt: Removes old versions of packages that are no longer needed when upgrading.
• apt-get: Does not remove old versions by default, which can lead to increased disk space usage.

Printed Outputs to the Terminal

• apt: Provides more detailed information, including progress bars, making it more user-friendly.
• apt-get: Prints basic status information without much detail.

How apt Replaces apt-get

The apt tool is now the default package management utility for Debian-based Linux distributions, combining functionalities from both apt-get and apt-cache. Most apt-get commands are available in apt with the same syntax, but apt provides additional features and improved usability.

Summary of Differences: apt vs. apt-get

Key Commands Comparison

When to Use apt and apt-get

When to Use apt

The apt command is designed to be a user-friendly interface for common package management tasks. It is suitable for most users and scenarios due to its simplified syntax and enhanced output. Here are specific situations where you should use apt:

1. Interactive Use: If you’re managing packages on your local machine and prefer a more readable output with progress bars and colors, apt is the better choice.
2. Simplified Commands: Use apt when you want a more straightforward syntax for common tasks like updating, installing, and upgrading packages.
3. General Updates: For regular updates and upgrades (apt update and apt upgrade), apt provides a cleaner interface.
4. Package Search: When you need to search for packages (apt search <package-name>), apt is more intuitive and provides detailed descriptions.
5. Recommendations and Suggestions: apt handles package recommendations and suggestions more effectively, making it easier to install additional useful packages.

When to Use apt-get

The apt-get command is a lower-level tool that offers more control and options for advanced package management tasks. It is suitable for system administrators, scripts, and automation. Here are specific situations where you should use apt-get:

1. Scripting and Automation: For scripts and automated processes, apt-get is more predictable and stable, as its behavior and output format are less likely to change.
2. Advanced Options: When you need to use more advanced options and switches that are not available in apt.
3. Consistency: If you are working on older systems or in environments where consistency with older documentation and practices is important, apt-get might be more appropriate.
4. Detailed Control: When you need detailed control over package management processes, such as specific installation behaviors or handling complex dependency issues, apt-get offers more options.
5. Low-Level Operations: For lower-level operations like dist-upgrade, which require careful handling of package dependencies and system upgrades, apt-get is more suitable.

Conclusion

Both apt and apt-get are essential tools for managing packages in Debian-based Linux distributions. While apt offers a more modern and user-friendly interface, apt-get remains a robust option for advanced users and automation. Understanding the differences between these tools can help you choose the right one for your needs, ensuring an efficient and effective package management experience.

By mastering both apt and apt-get, you can leverage the full power of Debian-based package management, making your Linux experience smoother and more productive. Whether you are a new user or a seasoned administrator, knowing when to use apt versus apt-get will enhance your ability to manage software packages effectively.