How to install software from the Linux command line
Like MacOS or Windows, Linux is an operating system that allows users to interact with the applications they rely on daily. While it may not be the first choice for every PC user, its popularity is steadily increasing.
This rise in adoption is driven by several factors, including Linux's strong presence in enterprise environments, the growing reliance on web browsers as primary tools, significant advancements in Linux desktop environments, its cost-effectiveness as a free OS, enhanced security features, and its ability to extend the lifespan of older computers.
Main benefits of migrating to Linux
The number of professionals using Linux is increasing from day to day. More and more users migrate to this operating system due to various reasons:
- Linux is free. Unlike Windows OS, when you are charged for most updates, Linux is free and provides access to a huge source of free software.
- Linux is open source. This is one of the main advantages of migrating to Linux. Any user can make changes to the code of the operating system, improve it and adjust to their own needs.
- Linux provides ultimate data safety. There is no need to have antivirus installed on Linux OS as it is developed with security in mind.
- Regular updates. The Linux kernel is always updated so that all users can benefit from it. All over the world developers work on Linux projects, provide support in Linux communities, offer quick solutions and bug fixes.
Installing software on Linux from the command line
There are many different ways to install applications on a Linux machine via the command line. The most common method of installing apps from the command line is through software repositories using a package manager. Every Linux distribution comes with a package management system, but they are not all the same.
A package management system contains sets of tools and file formats used together to install, update, and uninstall Linux apps. The two most common package management systems are from Debian (.deb files) and Red Hat (.rpm).
Installing software on Linux with Debian package management system
The following commands should be used to install from the Debian repository using the apt application:
Installation command:
$ sudo apt install app_name
To uninstall an app via use:
$ sudo apt remove app_name
To update your app use the command:
$ sudo apt update app_name
If the application is not available in the Debian repository, you can download it to your directory and use the following command to install it:
$ sudo dpkg -i app_name.deb
Installing software on Linux with Red Hat package management system
To install an app from a repository, use the following command:
$ sudo yum install app_name
To uninstall the application, do the following:
$ sudo yum remove app_name
To update your apps do the following:
$ sudo yum upgrade --refresh
If the application is not available in the software repository, but you have downloaded it to your directory, use the following command to install it:
$ sudo yum install ./app_name.rpm
As you can see it is not hard at all to install, uninstall, and update Linux applications through the command line. Check our installation guidelines for Virola server on Linux.