aptitude

Synchronize list of packages and versions available. This should be run first, before running subsequent aptitude commands

$ sudo aptitude update

$ sudo aptitude install [package]

$ aptitude search [package]

$ aptitude search '?installed([package])'

$ sudo aptitude remove [package]

$ sudo aptitude upgrade

$ sudo aptitude full-upgrade

$ sudo aptitude hold '?installed([package])'

aptitude [options] [command] [pattern...]

-h, --help
    Display usage summary and exit.

-V, --version
    Print version information.

-y, --assume-yes
    Non-interactively perform actions without prompts.

-q, --quiet
    Reduce output verbosity (-qq for more quiet).

--assume-no
    Assume no for all prompts (non-interactive decline).

-s, --simulate
    Show what would be done without changes.

-D, --show-deps
    Display dependencies when installing.

-t, --target-release RELEASE
    Install from specific release (e.g., stable).

--without-recommends
    Skip recommended packages.

--with-recommends
    Include recommended packages (default).

-u
    Update package lists and start interactive mode.

-v, --verbose
    Increase output verbosity.

--full-resolver
    Use complete dependency resolver.

--no-download
    Skip downloading packages.

-f, --fix-broken
    Fix broken dependencies automatically.

Aptitude is a versatile, terminal-based front-end for the Debian package management system, combining features of apt-get and apt-cache with advanced capabilities. It excels in handling complex dependencies using a sophisticated solver, supports powerful regex-like search patterns, and offers an interactive curses-based full-screen interface launched by running aptitude without arguments.

Key features include safe-upgrade (keeps existing packages), full-upgrade (like dist-upgrade), automatic cleanup of obsolete packages, and tracking of auto-installed dependencies. In non-interactive mode, it supports commands like update, install, remove, search, show, why, and more. Users can simulate actions with -s, assume yes with -y, or limit to specific releases via -t.

Aptitude's resolver presents multiple solutions, allowing interactive selection, which is invaluable for resolving conflicts. It also integrates user tags for custom package management. While powerful, it's best for experienced users due to its opinionated resolver differing from apt. Ideal for servers, it's lighter than GUI tools like Synaptic.

Resolver may suggest unexpected package removals; always review solutions. Slower than apt for simple tasks. Interactive mode requires terminal supporting curses.

Run aptitude alone for full-screen UI to browse, search, and manage packages.

Advanced syntax like ?installed, ?narrow(~npattern), ?broken for precise queries.

Common: update, safe-upgrade, full-upgrade, install pkg, search ?name(pkg), why pkg.

Created by Daniel Burrows in 2004 during PhD research on dependency solving with SAT solvers. Integrated into Debian as an alternative to apt-get; actively maintained with features matching modern apt.

apt(8), apt-get(8), apt-cache(8), dpkg(1), synaptic(8)