dpkg

Overview

The dpkg (Debian Package) command is a low-level package manager for Debian-based systems. It directly handles .deb package operations without managing dependencies.

Syntax

dpkg [options] action

Common Actions

Action	Description
-i	Install package
-r	Remove package
-P	Purge package
-l	List packages
-s	Package status
-L	List files
-S	Search file owner
-C	Check database
--configure	Configure package
--unpack	Unpack package
--verify	Verify package
--audit	Audit package

Common Options

Option	Description
--force-all	Force operations
--ignore-depends	Ignore dependencies
--no-act	Simulation mode
--root=dir	Alternative root
--admindir=dir	Alternative admin dir
--log=file	Alternative log file
--status-fd n	Send status to fd n
--print-architecture	Show architecture

Key Use Cases

1. Package installation
2. Package removal
3. Package queries
4. System verification
5. Package information

Examples with Explanations

Example 1: Install Package

dpkg -i package.deb

Install .deb package

Example 2: Remove Package

dpkg -r package_name

Remove package

Example 3: List Files

dpkg -L package_name

List package files

Common Usage Patterns

1. Package status:

   dpkg -s package_name

2. Find owner:

   dpkg -S /path/to/file

3. List installed:

   dpkg -l | grep '^ii'

Security Considerations

1. Package verification
2. Root privileges
3. System integrity
4. Configuration files
5. Dependencies

Related Commands

• apt - High-level manager
• apt-get - Package management
• apt-cache - Package query
• dselect - Package selection
• dpkg-query - Package database

Additional Resources

• Dpkg Manual
• Package Management Guide
• System Administration

Best Practices

1. Verify packages
2. Backup configuration
3. Check dependencies
4. Document changes
5. Test installation

Package States

1. Not installed
2. Config-files
3. Half-installed
4. Unpacked
5. Half-configured

Troubleshooting

1. Broken packages
2. Dependencies
3. Configuration errors
4. Space issues
5. Database corruption