pkgctl

View documentation for authenticating pkgctl with services like GitLab

$ tldr pkgctl auth

$ tldr pkgctl build

$ tldr pkgctl db update

$ tldr pkgctl diff

$ tldr pkgctl release

$ tldr pkgctl repo

$ pkgctl version

pkgctl <subcommand> [options] [arguments]

Common Subcommands:
pkgctl install <package>...
pkgctl update
pkgctl search <pattern>
pkgctl remove <package>...
pkgctl sync

--pretend, -p
    Performs a dry run, showing what changes would be made without actually executing them.

--ask, -a
    Prompts the user for confirmation before proceeding with the operation.

--verbose, -v
    Increases the verbosity of the output, providing more detailed information.

--quiet, -q
    Suppresses non-essential output, showing only critical messages.

--help, -h
    Displays help information for the pkgctl command or a specific subcommand (e.g., pkgctl install --help).

pkgctl is a modern, user-friendly command-line interface for the Gentoo/Funtoo Linux distributions' Portage package management system. It aims to simplify common package operations that traditionally require more complex emerge commands. Inspired by git's subcommand structure, pkgctl provides intuitive subcommands like install, remove, update, search, and sync, making package management more accessible for both new and experienced users.

It abstracts away some of the intricacies of Portage while still leveraging its powerful features like USE flags, slots, and profiles. pkgctl helps streamline workflows for installing new software, keeping the system updated, and managing installed packages efficiently. It serves as a more direct and convenient alternative for daily tasks, while advanced or specific Portage operations might still be performed with emerge.

pkgctl is specific to Gentoo/Funtoo Linux distributions and requires Portage as its backend; it is not a standalone package manager for other systems. While designed for daily use, some highly advanced or niche Portage operations may still require direct use of the emerge command.

pkgctl employs a subcommand architecture (similar to git), where different operations are handled by distinct subcommands (e.g., install, remove, update). This design makes the command set more organized, intuitive, and easier to remember for users.

While pkgctl provides a new interface, it fully leverages the underlying Portage system. This means it respects and interacts with existing Portage configurations, such as USE flags, package masks, and overlays, ensuring seamless integration with the Gentoo system.

pkgctl was developed relatively recently within the Gentoo ecosystem as a modern frontend for Portage. Its development was driven by the desire to provide a more intuitive and git-like command structure, simplifying daily package management tasks compared to the more verbose emerge syntax. It gained traction as a more user-friendly alternative, making Gentoo more approachable. Its design aims to abstract away some of the complexities while still providing access to Portage's powerful features.

emerge(1), portage(5), eix(1), layman(1)