Dpkg Command Reference
The dpkg command is a fundamental tool for managing Debian packages on Linux systems. It handles the installation, removal, and information retrieval of individual package files (.deb). While apt is often used for higher-level package management, understanding dpkg is crucial for deeper system administration.
Install or Upgrade a Debian Package
To install a new Debian package or upgrade an existing one, use the -i or --install option followed by the path to the .deb file.
dpkg -i <deb-file>Remove a Debian Package
To remove a package, including its configuration files, use the -P or --purge option. This is a more thorough removal than simply uninstalling.
dpkg -P <deb-file>List All Installed Packages
To get a comprehensive list of all installed packages on your system, along with their versions and brief descriptions, use the -l or --list option.
dpkg -lCheck if a Debian Package is Installed
You can determine if a specific Debian package is installed by using the -s or --status option and piping the output to grep to search for the 'Status' field.
dpkg -s <deb-file> | grep Status