pkg

pkg command [options] [arguments]

add
    Adds a package to the system.

annotate
    Annotate packages or repositories.

audit
    Audits installed packages for security vulnerabilities.

autoremove
    Removes automatically installed packages that are no longer required.

backup
    Backup packages to a remote host.

bootstrap
    Installs the `pkg` utility itself.

check
    Checks package integrity, dependencies, and metadata.

clean
    Cleans the local package cache.

config
    Modifies pkg configuration.

convert
    Converts a package from a legacy format.

create
    Creates a new package.

delete
    Deletes a package from the system.

fetch
    Fetches packages from remote repositories without installing them.

info
    Displays information about a package.

install
    Installs a package.

lock
    Locks a package to prevent upgrades.

plugins
    Manage pkg plugins.

query
    Queries the package database.

rquery
    Queries remote package repositories.

register
    Registers a package in the database.

remove
    Removes a package.

repo
    Manage repositories.

search
    Searches for packages in remote repositories.

set
    Set package metadata.

shell
    Starts an interactive pkg shell.

shlib
    Manage shared library dependencies.

ssh
    SSH related functionalities.

stats
    Displays package statistics.

unlock
    Unlocks a package, allowing upgrades.

update
    Updates the local package database from remote repositories.

upgrade
    Upgrades installed packages to the latest versions.

version
    Display version information.

The `pkg` command is a powerful package management utility used primarily in FreeBSD and DragonFlyBSD operating systems. It facilitates the installation, removal, upgrading, and querying of software packages from repositories. Think of it as apt-get or yum for the BSD world. `pkg` uses pre-built binary packages, greatly simplifying software installation compared to compiling from source (ports). It maintains a database of installed packages and their dependencies, ensuring consistency and preventing conflicts. Key functionalities include searching for packages, installing/uninstalling them, upgrading the entire system, and managing package repositories.

It simplifies system administration by automating dependency resolution and provides a consistent interface for managing software throughout the system lifecycle.

Package management can sometimes be complex, especially with dependency resolution. Always review the changes `pkg` proposes before confirming them, particularly during upgrades.

The primary configuration file for `pkg` is located at /usr/local/etc/pkg.conf. This file controls various aspects of `pkg`'s behavior, such as repository locations, caching settings, and network configurations.

`pkg` relies on remote repositories to obtain package information and binary files. These repositories are typically configured in the `pkg.conf` file or in individual repository configuration files within the /usr/local/etc/pkg/repos directory.

The `pkg` command was developed as a replacement for the older, more rudimentary package management tools available in FreeBSD. Its initial development focused on creating a robust and efficient system that could handle complex dependency graphs and offer a more user-friendly interface. It gained widespread adoption due to its speed, reliability, and modern features, eventually becoming the default package manager for FreeBSD. Continuous development ensures ongoing improvements, security updates, and feature enhancements.

portmaster(8), ports(7), make(1)