What is Apt-File?
APT-File is the Debian® command concerning the advanced packaging tool (APT). The main use of the command is related to exploring the contents of a file of packages. In this context, packages of sets of files held in repositories that can be obtained remotely and installed on a local computer. The main advantage of APT-File is that the content of the file of these packages can be explored without truly downloading or installing anything, which can save in time and bandwidth. APT-File can be used to search for a specific file between all packages or to examine the content of a single package.
Advanced packaging is an interface that can be used to obtain, explore and install software on Debian® and other related operating systems (OS). Debian® is an operating system that uses Linux Aernel and OS from GNU non unix (GNU). Many Debian® variants, such as Ubuntu® and Knoppix®, can also take advantage of advanced packaging and its relationships.
Debian® and OSS derivatives are mainly based on the public license of GNU (GPL) and official software storage usually contains programs that are also compatible with GPL. When APT-File is installed, it is usually launched with APT-File syntax to create a local list of all packages in official repositories. Other storage can also be added manually and provide access to packages that may contain drivers and other proprietary code that do not necessarily correspond to GPL. Advanced packaging can then be used to search for files of these packages and to install or uninstall them, as well as those from official sources.
One of the main advantages of apt-file is its ability to work remotely. Once an update is launched to restore the package list, the command can be used to search the content of a file of some or all packages. This can be useful if a specific file is required because it can be placed and obtained without the need for downloadOut more packages during search. The APT-File command can also be useful for exploring local packages. Because the command can indicate the content of a file of any package, it can be used to find missing files to get it.
APT-File is traditionally launched from the command line in the terminal window, although a certain graphical user interface (GUI) can be used instead. If the user in Linux is new or uncomfortable using the terminal, GUI can provide an easy way to use different advanced packaging commands. These GUIs can be used to search for files, manage installations or for other advanced purposes.