aurvote

Interactively create the file ~/.config/aurvote containing your AUR username and password

$ aurvote --configure

$ aurvote [package1 package2 ...]

$ aurvote [[-u|--unvote]] [package1 package2 ...]

$ aurvote [[-c|--check]] [package1 package2 ...]

$ aurvote [[-h|--help]]

aurvote package_name [options]
or commonly via AUR helpers:
yay -v package_name
paru -v package_name

package_name
    The name of the Arch User Repository package you wish to vote for or unvote.

-u, --unvote
    Removes your vote from the specified package. If no vote exists, this option typically has no effect.

-q, --quiet
    Suppresses output messages, performing the action silently.

--help
    Displays a help message with available options for the `aurvote` script or helper command.

The `aurvote` command, or its equivalent functionality within Arch User Repository (AUR) helpers, enables users to cast votes for packages hosted on the AUR. The Arch User Repository is a community-driven repository for Arch Linux users, containing package descriptions (PKGBUILDs) that allow users to compile software from source. Voting for a package signifies your interest and support, helping to increase its visibility and indicate its popularity within the community. This functionality is crucial for identifying well-maintained or highly demanded packages. While `aurvote` is not a standard Linux command with a dedicated man page, its core purpose is implemented by popular AUR helper utilities like `yay` and `paru`, which interact with the AUR's RPC interface to manage votes on behalf of authenticated users.

The `aurvote` command is not a standard Linux utility and typically does not exist as a standalone executable with a dedicated man page. Its functionality is primarily integrated into popular Arch User Repository (AUR) helper programs like `yay` and `paru`. Direct usage of a hypothetical `aurvote` script would require an active Arch User Repository account and proper authentication (username and password). Voting only affects a package's visibility and popularity ranking on the AUR; it does not directly impact its quality, security, or maintenance status. Users should always exercise caution and review PKGBUILDs before building and installing AUR packages.

To vote for an AUR package, you must be authenticated with your Arch User Repository account. Most AUR helpers will prompt you for your username and password interactively upon the first voting attempt or if credentials are not stored. Some tools might allow configuration files for storing credentials, though this is generally considered less secure and not recommended for sensitive information.

Votes contribute to a package's popularity score on the AUR website. Packages with more votes tend to appear higher in search results and on popularity lists, making them more visible to other users. This helps the community identify well-liked, actively used, or highly desired packages, potentially influencing maintainers or leading to official repository inclusion for very popular and well-maintained packages.

The concept of voting for packages originated with the creation of the Arch User Repository (AUR) itself, providing a community-driven mechanism for users to express interest and support for various package submissions. While a dedicated 'aurvote' command was never officially part of Arch Linux's core utilities, the capability to vote for AUR packages became an integral feature of third-party AUR helper applications such as `yay` and `paru`. These helpers abstract the complexities of interacting with the AUR web interface and RPC (Remote Procedure Call) API, making it seamless for users to cast or retract votes directly from the command line, alongside other package management operations.

pacman(8), makepkg(8), yay(8), paru(8)