Understanding the Dpkg Command

The dpkg command is the low-level package manager for Debian-based Linux distributions. It handles the installation, removal, and management of individual Debian package files (.deb). While higher-level tools like apt provide more user-friendly dependency resolution and repository management, dpkg is fundamental for direct package manipulation.

Key Dpkg Operations

Here are some essential dpkg commands for managing your Debian system:

Querying Package File Ownership

This command is invaluable for determining which installed package provides a specific file. It helps in understanding system file origins and troubleshooting.

# dpkg -S /path/to/file
# Example: Find which package owns the 'awk' executable
dpkg -S /usr/bin/awk

Installing a Debian Package

Use the -i flag to install a local .deb file. Note that dpkg does not automatically resolve dependencies; you might need to use apt afterwards if dependencies are missing.

# dpkg -i /path/to/your_package.deb
# Example: Install a downloaded package file
dpkg -i my-custom-app_1.0.0_amd64.deb

Listing Installed Packages

To view a list of all installed packages and their current status, use the --get-selections or -l options.

# List packages and their desired state (install, hold, deinstall, purge)
dpkg --get-selections

# List installed packages with detailed information (status, version, architecture)
dpkg -l

External Resources

• Debian Wiki on dpkg
• dpkg man page
• Debian Reference on Package Management