The packages on Linux are compressed file that contains, in turn, a set of files such as sources or binaries and a set of instructions that indicate what to do with these.
Generally, packages contain instructions by which you can install applications using a package manager for the Linux distribution.
So generally, a package consists of:
- A Header that contains the instructions for the installation process and configuration of the contained files. Here are also the dependencies that the system has to meet in order for it to work.
- Data which are the binary files or sources that will execute an action in the system. Here, for example, you will find the binaries of the applications.
Many packages are dependent on each other. That is to say, they need each other to operate correctly. In addition to this, it is also possible that several packages share other packages as dependencies.
Installing a DEB package in Linux Mint
DEB is the standard Linux Mint package. And for this, you can do it using the terminal or the graphical interface. Keep in mind that it is always faster to do it using the terminal.
Using the terminal to install a DEB package
To install a DEB package using the terminal, we have two essential commands. The first one is dpkg and the second one is apt.
The dpkg command unpacks a package. Or in short, install it. In addition to that, dpkg also removes already installed packages.
To install a package with the dpkg command, you have to run the command together with the -i install option.
sudo dpkg -i [package-name].debThis will prepare the system for installation. You can also use relative and absolute paths. Remember that your user has to belong to the sudo group.
Another interesting command to perform DEB package installation in Linux Mint is apt.
APT is the Linux Mint package manager that will help to install and manage packages easily. Although APT is regularly used to install packages from the official repositories, you can also use it to install downloaded DEB packages.
To do this, we just need to use the install sub command and specify the file name. For example,
sudo apt install ./[package-name].debThis is how quick and easy it is to install DEB packages using the terminal.
Installing DEB packages using the Linux Mint graphical interface
As I said at the beginning, Linux Mint is a distribution that makes everything easy for the user. So, to install a DEB package, just double-click on it or right-click on it and select Open with GDebi Package Installer.
You will see a screen with the information provided by the package header and an installation button. Entering the password will start the process.
Conclusion
As you may have noticed in this post, you have several options for installing DEB packages in Linux Mint. Some users may feel better using the terminal because it is faster, or using the graphical interface if you wish.
The final recommendation is that you don’t install just any package, and make sure of its provenance.