Installing Programs and .deb Packages

In Linux-based systems, especially those using Debian or Ubuntu as their base, software is often distributed in .deb (Debian package) format. These packages contain all the files and dependencies needed to install and run a particular application. Installing .deb packages is a straightforward process, but there are multiple ways to do it, depending on the tools and package managers available on your system.

In this article, we’ll explain what .deb packages are and show you how to install them using various methods on a Linux system.

What is a .deb Package?

A .deb package is the standard format for software packages used in Debian-based Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Debian itself. These packages contain compiled binary files, libraries, configuration files, and metadata required to install and run the software on a Debian-based system.

The dpkg (Debian Package Manager) tool is used to install, manage, and remove .deb packages. However, other package management tools like APT (Advanced Package Tool) and graphical interfaces also provide user-friendly methods for handling .deb files.

Methods to Install .deb Packages

There are several methods to install .deb packages, depending on your preference for using the command line or a graphical interface.

1. Using APT to Install .deb Packages

APT (Advanced Package Tool) is one of the most popular and efficient ways to manage packages in Debian-based distributions. APT can resolve dependencies automatically, making it a more user-friendly option than manually using dpkg.

Steps to Install a .deb Package with APT:

1. Open the Terminal.
2. Use the following command to install the .deb package:
   sudo apt install ./package_name.deb

   Example:

   sudo apt install ./example-package.deb

The ./ indicates that the .deb file is located in the current directory. APT will automatically handle any missing dependencies.

2. Using dpkg to Install .deb Packages

dpkg is the underlying package manager for Debian and Ubuntu systems. It’s the lower-level tool for handling .deb packages but does not automatically resolve dependencies like APT.

Steps to Install a .deb Package with dpkg:

1. Open the Terminal.
2. Use the following command to install the .deb package:
   sudo dpkg -i package_name.deb

   Example:

   sudo dpkg -i example-package.deb

If the installation fails due to missing dependencies, you can fix them using the APT package manager by running:

This command will resolve any dependencies that weren’t installed during the dpkg process.

3. Using GDebi to Install .deb Packages

GDebi is a lightweight package installer specifically designed to handle .deb files. It automatically resolves and installs dependencies, making it more efficient than dpkg.

Steps to Install a .deb Package with GDebi:

1. Install GDebi (if it’s not already installed) by running:
   sudo apt install gdebi
2. After installation, use the following command to install your .deb package:
   sudo gdebi package_name.deb

   Example:

   sudo gdebi example-package.deb

Alternatively, you can install GDebi’s graphical version by running:

Once installed, you can double-click on any .deb file to open it with the GDebi graphical interface and install it easily.

4. Using the Software Center (Graphical Method)

For those who prefer a graphical interface, the Software Center on Ubuntu or similar systems offers a simple way to install .deb packages.

Steps to Install a .deb Package with the Software Center:

1. Download the .deb file to your system.
2. Double-click on the .deb file. This will automatically open the file in your system’s Software Center.
3. Click the Install button.
4. Enter your password when prompted, and the Software Center will install the package for you.

This method is ideal for beginners or users who prefer not to use the terminal.

Uninstalling .deb Packages

If you want to remove a package that was installed using a .deb file, you can do so using either the terminal or the Software Center.

Uninstalling via APT:

To remove a package, you can use APT:

This command will uninstall the package but keep its configuration files. To completely remove the package, including all associated configuration files, use:

Uninstalling via dpkg:

To remove a package with dpkg, use:

This will uninstall the package but retain its configuration files.

Verifying Package Installation

After installing a .deb package, you may want to verify whether it was installed successfully. To do this, you can use the following methods:

Using dpkg:

You can use dpkg to check if a package is installed by running:

This command will display the package’s installation details, including the version and status.

Using APT:

Alternatively, you can use the apt command:

This will return a list of installed packages that match the name you entered.

Conclusion

Installing software from .deb packages is a common task for users of Debian-based Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Linux Mint. Whether you prefer using the terminal or a graphical tool like the Software Center or GDebi, installing .deb files is a straightforward process. While APT is generally the most user-friendly option due to its ability to resolve dependencies, dpkg and GDebi offer flexible alternatives for advanced users.

By following the steps in this guide, you can easily install, manage, and uninstall .deb packages to enhance your Linux experience.