The popular method of installing, upgrading, and removing packages on Linux is by using the apt or apt-get method, but most Linux beginners still find it difficult to know the difference between the two.
A quick history; Advanced Packaging Tool (APT)’s (not the command-line apt) origins start in Debian — a distro from where many other distros started from. APT is simply a set of APIs in which command-line tools apt and apt-get interact with APT for working with packages.
Now, what’s APT (Command-line apt)? APT is a free software user interface that works with core libraries to handle the installation and removal of software on Debian, and Debian-based Linux distributions. APT was created to provide a minimalistic way of handling packages in a “Pleasant way” for the users.
Whenever we say Pleasant way, we mean handling packages without having to worry about tons of command options and also in a more organized way as it provides adequate information and options while managing a package.
We also get to view the progress of the installation of packages while using the apt command.
How about APT-GET, Shall we? APT-GET is the older version of the two command-line, it’s also used for handling the installation, upgrade, removal of packages in Linux. APT-GET is more developer-friendly than being user-friendly, as it is not a fancy way of handling packages and also not in a “pleasant manner”.
APT-GET doesn’t show the progress while handling a package.
Is apt-get “deprecated”? I do not think it will be deprecated as there is no official statement about this information as of this period. It is still being used more in scripting and for other functionalities.
What should I use, apt or apt-get? Are you are still in doubt about not knowing the right option to use? As a Linux user, I will say you should use apt. Apt is the most recommended option by Linux for managing packages as it provides more information about the managed package and is much easier to use because it does not have many options.
Conclusion: Hopefully, I was able to explain the difference between apt and apt-get. In the end, to summarize the apt vs apt-get argument: apt is a subset of apt-get and apt-cache commands providing necessary commands for package management while apt-get won’t be deprecated, as a regular Linux user, you should start using apt more often
What are your thoughts? Is apt already your preferred method or do you prefer apt-get? Share your views in the comment section below.