slapt-get
Manage and install software packages (Slackware)
TLDR
Update the list of available packages and versions
Install a package, or update it to the latest available version
Remove a package
Upgrade all installed packages to their latest available versions
Locate packages by the package name, disk set, or version
Show information about a package
SYNOPSIS
slapt-get [options] command [packages]
PARAMETERS
-a, --available
List available packages.
-b, --build
Download source packages and build them.
-c, --clean
Clean the package cache.
-d, --download
Download packages but do not install them.
-f, --force-yes
Assume yes to all questions.
-g, --get
Download packages into the cache.
-i, --install
Install packages.
-o, --output-changes
Output changes to a file.
-p, --purge
Purge configuration files when removing packages.
-r, --remove
Remove packages.
-s, --simulate
Simulate operations (do not actually perform them).
-u, --update
Update the package list.
-v, --verbose
Be verbose.
-y, --yes
Assume yes to all questions. (Deprecated, use -f or --force-yes instead)
--config-file
Specify an alternate configuration file.
--debug
Enable debug mode.
--md5
Verify MD5 checksums of downloaded packages.
--no-gpg-check
Disable GPG signature verification.
--reinstall
Reinstall the specified package.
--upgrade
Upgrade the specified package.
DESCRIPTION
slapt-get is a package management system for Slackware Linux that aims to provide APT (Advanced Package Tool) like functionality.
It manages software packages, their dependencies, and their installation, removal, and upgrade processes. While Slackware traditionally relies on simple tarballs and manual dependency resolution, slapt-get automates these tasks, making package management more convenient and less error-prone.
It uses a configuration file, typically /etc/slapt-getrc, to define repositories (locations where packages are stored). Users can add, remove, or modify these repositories to access different software sources. Slapt-get downloads package metadata from these repositories and uses it to resolve dependencies and determine the latest available versions of packages.
Slapt-get primarily interacts with local package database managed by the slapt-get itself, not relying on the native Slackware's pkgtool.
Unlike APT, slapt-get does not natively perform full system upgrades in the same manner, but provides tools and functionalities to ease the process of keeping software up-to-date on Slackware systems. Its simplicity and ease of use make it a popular choice for Slackware users who prefer a more automated approach to package management.
CAVEATS
Slapt-get does not handle complex dependency resolution as effectively as some other package managers. Users may need to manually resolve certain dependency issues, especially with less common packages.
CONFIGURATION
The main configuration file is /etc/slapt-getrc. This file contains the URLs of the package repositories that slapt-get will use to download packages and their metadata.
It also allows configuring other aspects of slapt-get's behavior, such as the download directory and whether to verify MD5 checksums.
PACKAGE NAMING
Slapt-get uses standard Slackware package naming conventions. Package names typically include the name of the software, the version number, the architecture, and the package extension (.tgz, .txz, etc.).
HISTORY
Slapt-get was developed to address the need for a more automated package management solution on Slackware Linux. It was created to provide a simpler and more user-friendly experience compared to manual package management or other existing tools at the time. Over time, it has evolved and gained popularity within the Slackware community due to its ease of use and effectiveness.
SEE ALSO
pkgtool(1), slackpkg(1)