Your Question: What Is in a Debian Package?
Contents

A Debian “package”, or a Debian archive file, contains the executable files, libraries, and documentation associated with a particular suite of program or set of related programs. Normally, a Debian archive file has a filename that ends in . deb .

What Debian package provides a file?

To use the “dpkg” command to find the Debian package that provides the specified file, issue the following:

  • $ dpkg –S PathToTheFile.
  • $ dpkg-query –S ‘PathToTheFile’
  • $ sudo apt-get install apt-file.
  • $ sudo apt-file update.
  • $ apt-file search PathToTheFile.

What is in a Linux package?

A package consists of a collection of files that perform a task. For example, the popular image editing program, GIMP, distributes through a package. Within it, all the files that GIMP needs to run appear in a tidy archive. In addition, the package offers a small file that provides important metadata about the program.

Chloe Bennett

Chloe Bennett

Culture, Media & Entertainment Columnist

Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.

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