alt

alt [options] [arguments]

The alt command is not a standard utility in major Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, or Arch Linux. It does not appear in core packages like util-linux or coreutils. It may refer to a distribution-specific tool, such as in ALT Linux (a Russian distribution), where alt-prefixed tools or scripts exist for package management or system configuration. Alternatively, it could be a custom script, alias, or part of niche software like certain desktop environments or servers. To check availability, run which alt or man alt. If present, it might manage software alternatives similar to update-alternatives, allowing switching between multiple implementations of a tool (e.g., different versions of editors or Java). Without specific context, usage is unclear and may result in command not found errors on standard systems.

Not included in standard Linux repositories; availability limited to specific distributions or custom installations. Always verify with man alt or --help. Potential confusion with Alt key bindings in terminals or update-alternatives.

Run apt search alt, dnf search alt, or pacman -Ss alt to find related packages. In ALT Linux, check official docs at en.altlinux.org.

No well-documented history as a standard command. Possibly originated in ALT Linux distribution (developed since 2001 by ALT Linux Team) for system administration tasks, evolving alongside RPM-based package management.

update-alternatives(8), alternatives(8)