The apt and apt-get commands are both package management tools in Debian and its derivatives, such as Ubuntu, but they have differences in purpose, functionality, and usability. Here’s a breakdown:
1. apt
- Introduced In: Ubuntu 16.04 and Debian 8 as a more user-friendly interface for package management.
- Purpose: Designed as a simpler, unified command-line tool for end-users, combining the most commonly used features of
apt-get,apt-cache, and other tools. - Features:
- Provides a streamlined user interface with consistent output formatting.
- Combines functionalities like searching, installing, and managing packages into one command.
- Adds additional features like progress bars and colored output for better readability.
- Common Commands:
apt update: Updates package index files.apt upgrade: Installs available upgrades for all installed packages.apt install <package>: Installs a package.apt remove <package>: Removes a package.apt list --installed: Lists installed packages.- Best For: Day-to-day package management by most users.
2. apt-get
- Introduced In: Debian 1.1 (1998).
- Purpose: The original low-level package management tool for Debian-based systems.
- Features:
- Offers advanced features and options suitable for scripting and automation.
- Outputs less user-friendly, raw information compared to
apt. - Includes commands not available in
apt, such asapt-get build-dep(installs build dependencies) andapt-get source(downloads source code). - Common Commands:
apt-get update: Updates package index files.apt-get upgrade: Installs available upgrades for all installed packages.apt-get install <package>: Installs a package.apt-get remove <package>: Removes a package.apt-get dist-upgrade: Performs a distribution upgrade (handles dependency changes intelligently).- Best For: Advanced use cases, scripts, and older systems.
Key Differences
| Feature | apt | apt-get |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Simplified for end-users | More verbose and complex |
| User Interface | Progress bars and colored output | Plain, unformatted text output |
| Scope | Designed for interactive use | Designed for scripts/automation |
| Commands Available | Unified commands (e.g., list) | More advanced commands (e.g., build-dep) |
| Default Behavior | Safer, interactive prompts (e.g., for autoremove) | Assumes user expertise (e.g., may auto-remove without prompt) |
Which Should You Use?
- Use
aptfor everyday tasks and when working interactively. - Use
apt-getwhen scripting, automating, or needing advanced options not available inapt.