apt-sortpkgs

Sort a Packages file

$ apt-sortpkgs [Packages] > [Packages.sorted]

$ apt-sortpkgs -s [Sources] > [Sources.sorted]

apt-sortpkgs [-s] file

apt-sortpkgs sorts Debian package index files (Packages or Sources files) into a consistent order. This is useful for comparing files or ensuring reproducible output.
The tool reads the index file, sorts packages alphabetically by name, and outputs the sorted version.

-s, --source

Treat input as Sources file instead of Packages

Set configuration option

Read additional configuration

Primarily used for repository maintenance and comparison. Not needed for normal APT operation. Large files may consume significant memory.

apt-sortpkgs is part of the APT suite, useful for repository maintainers who need deterministic index file ordering.

apt-ftparchive(1), dpkg-scanpackages(1)