On the Linux Mint system, package updation is related to the release of software packages that are pre-installed. It provides the system with access to the latest features. Moreover, developers release new versions in the form of packages when they fix bugs or apply security updates to them. It is necessary to keep packages up to date for users to increase the software\app work efficiency.
This write-up will cover the following content to update packages on Linux Mint:
- How to Update Packages Using “apt” Package Manager on Linux Mint?
- How to Update Packages Using “snap” Package Manager on Linux Mint?
- How to Update Packages Using “flatpak” Package Manager on Linux Mint?
How to Update Packages Using “apt” Package Manager on Linux Mint?
Advanced Package Tool(APT) is the default package manager in Linux OS for installing, updating, and removing\deleting software packages including its distributions, such as Linux Mint, Ubuntu, and others. This package manager works through repositories that hold a collection of packages.
The APT package management system does much more than a one-time installation of software packages. Sometimes, users need to update software packages to improve the stability and performance of the system, to include the latest features and versions of particular software, and for other reasons. To update software packages, there can be different scenarios, as follows:
- Update Single Package
- Update Selected Packages
- Update All Packages
Scenario 1: Update Single Package
First, run the given command to list all packages that need to be updated:
sudo apt list --upgradableFrom the given output, we have selected the below-highlighted package that required updation:
Then, execute the following command to update a single package:
sudo apt --only-upgrade install apparmorHere:
- “–only-upgrade” flag is used to only upgrade the particular package.
- “install” is a sub-command that is used to tell “apt” to install the latest version of a package.
- “apparmor” is the particular package name that needs updation:
Note: Here, replace the “apparmor” package with the particular package name that you want to upgrade.
Scenario 2: Update Multiple Packages
If you want to update particular\selected packages using the “apt” package manager, then use the following command:
sudo apt install --only-upgrade install alsa-ucm-conf yaru-theme-icon zfs-zed xserver-xephyrIn the above-given command, “alsa-ucm-conf”, “yaru-theme-icon”, “zfs-zed”, and “xserver-xephyr” are packages name:
Selected packages have been updated successfully:
Scenario 3: Update All Packages
You can also update all the packages at once that need updations. To do so, first, execute the provided command to refresh the package index:
sudo apt update
Now, upgrade all the packages by running the following command:
sudo apt upgrade
How to Update Packages Using “snap” Package Manager on Linux Mint?
Snap is also a package management tool for Linux-based operating systems developed by Canonical that works across a range of Linux distributions to install different packages. Snap is containerized with all its dependencies. Apps run fully isolated in their sandbox, thus minimizing security risks. In addition, users can update software packages easily by using this package manager depending on their needs. They can update single, selected, and all packages. For practical implementation, let’s check out these scenarios one by one.
Scenario 1: Update Single Package
To list down the packages that need updations, run the below-provided command:
snap refresh --listHere, the “All snaps up to date.” indicates that all installed packages are upgraded:
If you want to update a particular package using snap, then execute the following command:
sudo snap refresh gnome-42-2204According to the below output, our system already has upgraded this package:
Note: Replace “gnome-42-2204” with your package that needs updating.
Scenario 2: Update Selective Package
You can update some selected packages rather than all using the “snap” package manager. For that purpose, run the provided command:
sudo snap refresh bare core22 discordOur system’s packages are already updated:
Scenario 3: Update All Package
To update all the packages using Snap, execute the following command:
sudo snap refresh
How to Update Packages Using “flatpak” Package Manager on Linux Mint?
Flatpak is a package management and software distribution system for Linux distributions. It is also known as Linux application sandboxing which provides a secure and isolated environment to applications for execution. It permits users to install application packages along with their dependencies on different Linux distros. By using the isolated sandbox environment, users can get the latest versions of their favorite software.
To update software packages using “flatpak” on Linux Mint, check out the provided different scenarios!
Scenario 1: Update Single Package
Execute the below-given command to update any single package with the “flatpak” package management tool:
flatpak update com.valvesoftware.SteamThe particular package is already updated:
Scenario 2: Update Selective Package
Run the previously used command along with selected packages for updation:
flatpak update com.valvesoftware.Steam org.freedesktop.Platform
Scenario 3: Update All Package
If you want to upgrade all packages simultaneously, execute the provided command:
flatpak update
That was all about software package updation on the Linux Mint system using different package management tools.
Conclusion
On Linux Mint, different package management tools are used to manage software and applications like installation, updation, and deletion. These package managers include the “apt” package manager that works through the mint default repository, the “snap” package manager that uses the snap store, and “flatpak” that uses the “flathub” remote repository. In this tutorial, we have demonstrated how to update packages on Linux Mint.