apturl

apturl [-h | --help] [-v | --version] [-p PROFILE | --profile=PROFILE] [URL]

-h, --help
    Show help message and exit

-v, --version
    Show program's version number and exit

-p PROFILE, --profile=PROFILE
    Use specific profile (e.g., for Ubuntu release)

apturl is a command-line utility on Debian-based systems like Ubuntu for processing apt: Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs). These URIs enable seamless integration between web links and package management, allowing users to install packages, add repositories, or enable trusted sources directly from browsers or applications.

Invoked with an apt: URL, apturl interprets components such as package names, PPAs (Personal Package Archives), or release-specific repositories. It then launches a graphical frontend like Ubuntu Software, GNOME Software, or Synaptic, pre-configured for the action. For instance, apt:vlc opens the software center ready to install VLC, while apt://ppa:username/ppa prompts to add a PPA.

Typically triggered automatically by desktop environments (e.g., via xdg-open), apturl can also run manually. It uses profiles to adapt behavior for different Ubuntu flavors or releases, ensuring compatibility. This enhances software discovery but requires caution with untrusted links.

apturl simplifies user workflows, bridging web content and APT ecosystem without manual terminal commands.

Requires graphical session (X11/Wayland); apt: URLs from untrusted sources risk unauthorized installs or repo additions. Not for headless servers.

apt:vlc - Install VLC package
apt://ppa:username/ppa - Add PPA
apt:trusty/main/amd64/package - Specific repo package

Profiles like ubuntu-noble tailor actions for releases; defaults to system-detected.

Introduced in Ubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy Gibbon, 2007) via apturl package. Evolved for multi-release support; maintained in Ubuntu repositories for desktop URI handling.

apt(8), apt-url(7), gnome-software(8), software-properties-gtk(8)