apt vs apt-get

apt and apt-get are both package managers for Debian-based Linux operating systems. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between them.

What is apt-get?

apt-get is a command-line tool that comes pre-installed in most Debian-based Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu. It is a package manager used to install, update, and remove software packages from the system.

apt-get uses the Advanced Packaging Tool (APT) library to perform these operations. It also includes features like package dependency resolution, package caching, and the ability to install packages from remote repositories.

Here is an example of using apt-get to install the neofetch package:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install neofetch

What is apt?

apt (short for Advanced Package Tool) is a newer package manager introduced in Ubuntu 16.04 that provides the same functionality as apt-get. It uses the same APT library as apt-get, but with a streamlined command syntax and a few additional features.

apt includes features like progress bars, colored output, and the ability to automatically remove unused dependencies. It also includes the ability to manage snap packages and a more sophisticated handling of package upgrades.

Here is the equivalent apt command to install neofetch:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install neofetch

Differences between apt and apt-get

While apt and apt-get both use the same underlying APT library and perform the same essential functions, there are a few key differences between them:

• Syntax: As mentioned above, apt uses a more streamlined command syntax than apt-get. For example, apt update vs. apt-get update.

• Output: apt includes features like progress bars and colored output, making it easier to read and understand the status of package management operations.

• Package upgrades: apt includes a more sophisticated algorithm for handling package upgrades, which can result in fewer conflicts and quicker upgrades.

• Dependency handling: apt includes the ability to automatically remove unused dependencies, a feature not present in apt-get.

Conclusion

In summary, apt and apt-get are both useful package managers for Debian-based Linux systems. While they use the same underlying APT library and perform the same essential functions, apt includes some additional features that make it a more user-friendly and efficient tool. Ultimately, the choice between apt and apt-get comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user or system.