When managing software packages on Debian-based Linux distributions like Ubuntu, two commonly used commands are apt and apt-get. Both are part of the Advanced Packaging Tool (APT) suite and facilitate package management tasks such as installation, removal, and updates.

However, many users wonder which command to use and how they differ. This blog post will delve into the distinctions between apt and apt-get, their unique features, and when to use each.

• Overview of apt and apt-get
  • apt-get
  • apt
• Key Differences Between apt and apt-get
• Common Commands: apt vs apt-get
  • 1. Updating Package Lists
  • 2. Upgrading Installed Packages
  • 3. Full Upgrade (Including Removals and Replacements)
  • 4. Installing a Package
  • 5. Removing Unused Dependencies
• When to Use apt or apt-get
  • Use apt If:
  • Use apt-get If:
• Recommendations
• Conclusion

Overview of apt and apt-get

apt-get

Introduced in Debian in 1998, apt-get is a command-line tool designed for advanced users and scripts. It provides powerful and granular control over package management tasks but lacks some usability features compared to newer tools.

apt

Introduced in Ubuntu 16.04, apt is a more user-friendly command-line interface built on top of apt-get. It combines the functionality of multiple commands (apt-get, apt-cache, etc.) and introduces improved output formatting and additional features, making it ideal for interactive use.

Key Differences Between apt and apt-get

Feature	apt-get	apt
Usability	Basic, script-oriented	User-friendly, interactive
Output	Verbose and raw	Simplified and formatted
Combined Commands	Requires separate commands	Unified commands for easier use
Interactive Prompts	No (non-interactive by default)	Includes interactive prompts
Default Features	Granular control, no auto-remove	Includes auto-remove for dependencies

Common Commands: apt vs apt-get

Here are some examples of how similar tasks are performed using apt and apt-get:

1. Updating Package Lists

• apt-get:

  sudo apt-get update
  

• apt:

  sudo apt update
  

2. Upgrading Installed Packages

• apt-get:

  sudo apt-get upgrade
  

• apt:

  sudo apt upgrade
  

3. Full Upgrade (Including Removals and Replacements)

• apt-get:

  sudo apt-get dist-upgrade
  

• apt:

  sudo apt full-upgrade
  

4. Installing a Package

• apt-get:

  sudo apt-get install <package-name>
  

• apt:

  sudo apt install <package-name>
  

5. Removing Unused Dependencies

• apt-get:

  sudo apt-get autoremove
  

• apt (Included automatically during apt remove):

  sudo apt autoremove
  

When to Use apt or apt-get

Use apt If:

• You are working interactively on a terminal.
• You prefer clean and concise output.
• You want an easier-to-use interface that combines multiple commands.

Use apt-get If:

• You are writing scripts or automation tasks where detailed control and stability are essential.
• You need backward compatibility with older systems or tools.

Recommendations

For most users managing packages interactively, apt is the recommended choice due to its simplicity and user-friendly features. However, for scripting and complex package management scenarios, apt-get remains a robust and reliable tool.

Conclusion

Both apt and apt-get are powerful tools for managing software packages on Debian-based systems. Understanding their differences and strengths helps you choose the right tool for your specific needs. While apt is designed for convenience and modern workflows, apt-get retains its relevance for advanced and automated tasks. By selecting the appropriate command, you can optimize your Linux package management experience.

📝 For more information about apt and apt-get, please review the apt and apt-get man pages.