Best Linux Package Managers

The operation and architecture of the different Linux Package managers will vary from distribution to distribution. But generally, all Linux package managers should help install, remove, update, audit, and solve challenging dependency and software version issues.

In this post, we’ll review the best and most popular Linux Package Managers. These include yum, DNF, apt, Pacman, zypper, Portage, and a few other honorable mentions.

Here is our list of the best Linux package managers:

1. Yellow Dog Updater, Modified (YUM) An old-time RPM front-end favorite, known and understood by many but slowly being replaced by DNF.
2. APT Popular DPKG front-end with a complete dependency resolution and package management.
3. Pacman Arch-Linux package manager that allows using a pre-built package or build-it-yourself.
4. Zypp/Zypper Popular front-end to RPM used in OpenSUSE and SUSE Linux Enterprise. Zypper is knowns for its SAT solver, a fantastic dependency issue solution.
5. DNF The popular replacement for yum. It is now the default package manager in Fedora 22 and Red Hat Linux 8.
6. Gentoo’s Portage Portage provides a fantastic way to manage packages to one of the most flexible yet challenging Linux distributions.

A package and its manager

Packages were created to simplify software distribution and installation. In addition, they solve the challenging and tedious work of having to compile software and handle all its dependencies.

A package is a compressed file archive or collection of files to perform a specific task or application. It contains:

• Precompiled software Binary executable files to allow end-users easy software installation.
• Metadata A small file is providing the version number and description (metadata) of the program.
• List of dependencies The information on the required programs and versions. Dependencies are needed for the packaged software to work correctly.

Linux-based computers depend on packages that can be managed via software repositories. Packages control the inclusion, maintenance, and removal of programs on a computer.

Common examples of different Linux-based package formats are RPM and DEB. These are both archive files with metadata attached to them. For example, RPM is used for Red Hat distributions and DEB for Debian-based distributions.

When Linux packages start piling up, their dependencies and versions of dependencies become more complex and often unmanageable; you’ll need to use a package manager.

a. The package manager

A package manager, also known as a package management system, allows you to install, configure, audit, upgrade, or remove software packages from your Linux operating system. 

On a basic level, package managers follow a similar process, which starts by:

• Launching software that reads from a repository
• Determining the software to install, remove, or update

Package managers should automatically identify the ‘lacking' dependencies and download all the necessary packages from a single repository. Although all Linux package managers perform the same fundamental function, which is to maintain the software on a Linux-based machine, they vary according to their architecture, interface, syntax, and format.

b. Pre-built vs. build-it-yourself

Generally, there are three different ways to install software using a package manager. The most popular way is using the pre-compiled (pre-built) software package. Second, you can also use a script that lets you compile, build, or re-compile software. And finally, you can use a combination of both.

• Most Linux distributions, including Debian, Ubuntu, Red Hat, and Fedora, use Deb and RPM format packages with pre-compiled binaries.
• Other distributions like Gentoo Linux uses a package management system based on the distribution’s source. This package manager employs the concept of “use flags” to let you choose which software to compile.
• Arch Linux uses a package manager that combines the two approaches. In addition, it provides more flexibility by allowing you to use default precompiled packages (as deb and rpm) and create, compile, or re-compile packages.

c. Differentiating Features

As mentioned earlier, the essential feature of a package manager is to find, install, maintain and uninstall packages. But package managers do differentiate themselves with a couple of parameters, including: 

• Package Manager Formats
  The most apparent distinction between package managers is their format. Different package managers were built for specific package formats. For example, package managers like YUM, DNF, and Zypper are based on RPM (Red Hat-based), while package managers like APT, APT-Get are built for DEB packages.

• Dependency issues and conflict resolution
  Dependency hell is a popular term used by people with complex dependency scenarios. Dependency conflicts occur when a software package has dependencies on other software versions of other packages or libraries. Still, these dependencies depend on different (and often incompatible) versions of the shared software packages. Some Linux package managers help solve these dependency issues and handle conflict resolution, while others simply won’t.

• Simple package audit
  Some package managers provide the what, who, when, and where to package management. There are different ways to review what packages were installed or removed, when, by who, etc. Some package managers are better for this than others.

The Best Package Managers

The following are considered the most popular and best Linux package managers. Some of these are considered the best due to their large community, and others provide outstanding flexibility.

1. Yellow Dog Updater, Modified (YUM)

The Yellowdog Updater, Modified (yum), is a command-line package-management utility and front-end for the Red Hat Package Manager (RPM). Although RPM was created to manage packages in Red Hat Linux, it is now used in many Linux distributions including, CentOS, OpenSUSE, Fedora, and more.

Key Features:

• Automatic Updates: Facilitates automatic updates, ensuring systems are always up to date with the latest packages.
• Package and Dependency Management: Offers comprehensive package and dependency management functionalities, simplifying system maintenance.
• Dependency Resolution: Automatically resolves dependencies during package installation, removal, or updating processes, ensuring smooth operations.
• Usability and Informational Output: Provides superb usability with simple and intuitive syntax, accompanied by informative output for easy interpretation.
• Support for Multiple Linux Distributions: Manages packages across various popular Linux distributions, including CentOS, Fedora, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

Why do we recommend it?

Yellow Dog Updater, Modified (YUM) stands as a reliable command-line package management utility, facilitating efficient management of packages across various RPM-based Linux distributions. Its automatic update feature, along with robust package and dependency management capabilities, ensures seamless system maintenance. We recommend YUM for its superb usability, intuitive syntax, and informative output, making it an indispensable tool for Linux administrators. Our recommendation stems from extensive testing of YUM's functionalities and its proven effectiveness in simplifying package management tasks across diverse Linux environments.

YUM is based and depends on the RPM; thus, it can manage .rpm packages (RPM distributions) from local or internet-based repositories. Yum is often used in Fedora, CentOS (5 and above), and Red Hat Enterprise (5 and above). Although YUM uses a CLI, many other tools, like YUM Extender (yumex), provide the GUI to YUM’s functionality.

Who is it recommended for?

Yellow Dog Updater, Modified (YUM) is recommended for Linux administrators and system operators tasked with managing packages in RPM-based Linux distributions such as CentOS, Fedora, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. It caters to users seeking a reliable and efficient package management solution with straightforward syntax and intuitive operation. With its dependency resolution capabilities and support for multiple distributions, YUM is ideal for environments requiring streamlined package management across diverse systems.

Example of useful yum’s commands [Refer to yum’s cheat sheet]:

Verdict: Although YUM is still the preferred package manager for rpm-based Linux distributions, some long-standing issues haven’t been fixed. These issues include slow dependency resolutions, excessive memory usage, and undocumented API. So now YUM is slowly being replaced by DNF.

2. APT

The Advanced Package Tool (or APT) is the popular command-line manager that handles the installation and removal of software packages for Debian, Ubuntu, and other related Linux distributions.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Command Set: Provides a wide range of commands for searching, managing, and querying information about packages, enhancing usability and flexibility.
• Low-Level Library Access: Offers low-level access to “libapt-pkg” and “libapt-inst” libraries, allowing advanced users to interact with package management functionalities at a deeper level.
• High-Level Interface: Serves as a high-level interface tool for package management, providing a user-friendly experience for users of all skill levels.
• Topological Sorting: Performs topological sorting to create a packages list for installation and removal, ensuring efficient management of package dependencies.
• Integration with DPKG: Acts as the front-end for DPKG, utilizing DPKG on the back-end to install and remove packages, ensuring reliability and compatibility with Debian-based distributions.

Why do we recommend it?

The Advanced Package Tool (APT) serves as a highly efficient command-line manager for handling software package installation and removal in Debian, Ubuntu, and related Linux distributions. With its comprehensive set of commands for package management and low-level access to essential libraries, APT streamlines the process of software management. We recommend APT for its user-friendly interface, which provides both high-level package management functionalities and low-level access to underlying libraries.

APT is the front-end of the Debian Package (DPKG), which is the base package manager for Debian distributions. APT uses DPKG on the back-end to install and remove packages. Aside from managing packages and their dependencies relationships, it also allows sourcing and higher-level versioning management. APT can also get packages from remote locations and deal with more complex dependencies resolutions.

APT vs. APT-get? The apt-get is also another feature-rich CLI front-end version of the DPKG system. APT is the subset of the older command-line tools, apt-get, and apt-cache. It uses the same prefix and is user-friendlier than both tools.

Who is it recommended for?

APT is recommended for Linux users, administrators, and system operators working with Debian-based distributions such as Debian and Ubuntu. It caters to users seeking a versatile package management solution capable of handling software installation, removal, and querying tasks efficiently. With its support for topological sorting and dependency resolution, APT is ideal for environments requiring robust package management capabilities. Whether for individual users or enterprise-level deployments, APT offers a powerful yet user-friendly tool for managing software packages.

Example of useful APT’s commands:

Verdict: APT is the preferred package manager for any Debian-based distribution. But using it can get complex once more PPA keys and extra repositories are added.

3. Pacman

There are two main reasons why few people would prefer to use Arch Linux; one is because it provides full customization, and two because it comes with an outstanding package manager, known as Pacman.

Key Features:

• Dependency Support: Provides robust dependency support, ensuring smooth installation and management of package dependencies.
• Package Building: Allows users to build packages from official repositories or from scratch, offering unparalleled customization options.
• Package Management Commands: Includes a set of commands to manage all Arch-based packages, facilitating efficient package installation, removal, and maintenance.
• Enhanced Features in Pacman 6.0: Recent enhancements in Pacman 6.0, such as parallel download support, retry downloads, and events for download completion, further enhance its functionality and performance.
• Simple Package Format: Uses simple compressed files “bsdtar(1) .tar” as a package format and a package database system, ensuring simplicity and efficiency.

Why do we recommend it?

Pacman stands out as an exceptional package manager, renowned for its efficiency and versatility, particularly in the context of Arch Linux. Offering robust dependency support and the ability to build packages from official repositories or from scratch, Pacman provides users with unparalleled customization options. We recommend Pacman for its advanced features such as managing builds, syncing local machines with remote repositories, and its recent enhancements in Pacman 6.0 including parallel download support and retry downloads. Our recommendation is grounded in Pacman's reputation as a unique and powerful package manager, providing users with a seamless and efficient software management experience on Arch Linux.

As mentioned earlier, Arch Linux uses the one-of-a-kind package manager, “pacman,” which allows you to either use a pre-built package (from repositories) or build it yourself from scratch. Pacman includes a set of commands to manage all the Arch-based packages and comes with binary packages to help with a package build. This advanced package manager uses simple compressed files “bsdtar(1) .tar” as a package format and a package database system.

Who is it recommended for?

Pacman is recommended for users of Arch Linux seeking a fast, efficient, and highly customizable package management solution. It caters to individuals and system administrators who value full customization and wish to tailor their system according to their specific requirements. With its comprehensive set of commands for managing packages and builds, Pacman is ideal for users who prefer a streamlined approach to software management without sacrificing flexibility. Whether for desktop users or server environments, Pacman offers a unique and efficient package management experience.

Example of useful Pacman’s commands:

Verdict: Arch Linux distribution focuses on simplicity and versatility. These are why Pacman provides a faster and more straightforward approach to package manager than Debian-based cousin APT-get. The only downside is that Arch Linux requires more time for fine-tuning and knowledge.

4. Zypper

Zypp is the main package kit for OpenSUSE and SUSE Linux Enterprise. It is also the package management system that powers the package managers, Zypper and YaST.

Key Features:

• SAT Solver for Dependency Resolution: Employs the SAT solver to provide rapid and efficient dependency resolution, ensuring smooth installation and updating of packages.
• Extensive Repository Management: Allows users to configure, add, or remove repositories, providing flexibility in accessing software packages.
• Flexible Syntax Format: Offers a highly flexible syntax format, allowing users to utilize commands in full or short format, enhancing usability and convenience.
• Support for RPM Metadata: Supports RPM Metadata, enabling seamless integration with RPM-based package management systems.
• Informative Output Format: Presents output in an informative and clean tabular format, making it easy for users to understand and interpret dependency resolution solutions.

Why do we recommend it?

Zypper emerges as a robust and versatile package management solution, powering OpenSUSE, SUSE Linux Enterprise, and other mobile Linux distributions like Tizen, Sailfish OS, and MeeGo. Its integration with the SAT solver ensures rapid dependency resolution, making it a preferred choice for users seeking efficient package management. We recommend Zypper for its highly flexible syntax format, extensive repository management capabilities, and support for RPM Metadata and YaST2 package repositories. Our recommendation is based on Zypper's reputation as a reliable and feature-rich package manager, offering users a seamless and efficient software management experience across various Linux distributions.

Zypper is the robust command-line (front-end to RPM) package manager for installing, removing, and updating packages, in addition to managing and accessing repositories. It is an open-source project available since openSUSE ver 10.2, Fedora (since Fedora 26), and Tizen.

What makes Zypper stand apart from other package managers is its powerful dependency solution known as SAT solver. When there is a dependency problem, Zypper provides multiple solutions and presents the output using an informative and clean tabular format.

Who is it recommended for?

Zypper is recommended for users of OpenSUSE, SUSE Linux Enterprise, and mobile Linux distributions such as Sailfish OS and Tizen. It caters to individuals and system administrators seeking a comprehensive command-line package management solution with powerful dependency resolution capabilities. With its support for RPM Metadata and YaST2 package repositories, Zypper is ideal for environments requiring flexible and efficient package management functionalities. Whether for desktop users, mobile device manufacturers, or enterprise deployments, Zypper offers a versatile and reliable package management experience.

Example of useful Zypp’s commands [Refer to Zypper’s Cheat Sheet]:

Verdict: Zypper is one of the youngest projects. Although the project is in constant development and improvement, its community is still relatively small.

5. DNF

Dandified YUM or DNF is another RPM front-end, designed to replace yum as the default package manager in Fedora 22 and Red Hat Linux 8. It is also used in CentOS, Mageia, OpenMandriva, and Yocto.

Key Features:

• CLI Compatibility with YUM: Maintains almost full CLI compatibility with YUM, ensuring a smooth transition for users familiar with YUM commands.
• Utilization of External Dependency Resolver Libraries: Utilizes external dependency resolver libraries like Libsolv and Hawkey, enhancing package management efficiency and memory-intensive operations.
• Comprehensive API Documentation: Provides full API documentation, facilitating integration and development of custom tools and extensions.
• Support for Python 2 and Python 3: Runs in both Python 2 and Python 3 environments, ensuring compatibility with various system configurations.
• Extensibility through Plugins: Offers an architecture for extending package management functionality via plugins, with over 25 officially supported plugins and ongoing community development.

Why do we recommend it?

Dandified YUM (DNF) represents a significant advancement in RPM package management, offering enhanced performance, conflict resolution, and extensibility compared to its predecessor, YUM. With its almost full CLI compatibility with YUM and utilization of external dependency resolver libraries like Libsolv and Hawkey, DNF streamlines package management operations while ensuring improved memory-intensive operations. We recommend DNF for its comprehensive API documentation, support for both Python 2 and Python 3, and architecture for extending functionality through plugins.

DNF improves YUM in multiple ways, including performance, conflict dependency resolutions, and easier integrations. In addition, the package manager provides an architecture for extending package management functionality via plugins. There are more than 25 plugins officially already supported by DNF and more on development by DNF’s community.

Who is it recommended for?

DNF is recommended for users of Fedora, Red Hat Linux, CentOS, Mageia, OpenMandriva, and Yocto seeking a modern and efficient package management solution. It caters to individuals and system administrators looking to transition from YUM to a more advanced and feature-rich package manager. With its CLI compatibility with YUM and improvements in performance and conflict resolution, DNF is ideal for environments requiring robust package management capabilities. Whether for desktop users, server deployments, or embedded systems, DNF offers a versatile and reliable package management experience.

Example of useful DNF’s commands:

Verdict: DNF was designed to address the deficiencies of yum, and will soon replace it. The landscape for DNF has changed since Fedora, and Red Hat Linux adopted it as its default package manager. Although its community is smaller than yum, its adoption is quickly increasing.

6. Gentoo’s Portage

Gentoo is known to be the most challenging and distinctive Linux distribution out there. It is believed to be the same as Linux From Scratch (LFS), but with the exception that it comes with an exceptional package manager known as Portage.

Key Features:

• Ebuild-Based Package Management: Operates on ebuilds, providing administrators with precise control over package management and configurations.
• Utilization of CFLAGS: Utilizes CFLAGS environment variables to specify compilation options, allowing for optimized software builds tailored to specific hardware architectures.
• Flexible Dependency and Repository Management: Offers flexibility in managing package dependencies, software versions, and repository configurations, empowering administrators to fine-tune packages according to their requirements.
• Fully Functional Development Environment: Provides an out-of-the-box, fully functional development environment, facilitating software development and customization.
• Support for Multiple Linux Distributions: While built for Gentoo, Portage is also used by other distributions such as Chrome OS and Calculate, underscoring its versatility and OS-independent nature.

Why do we recommend it?

Gentoo's Portage stands out as an exceptional package manager and software distribution system, renowned for its unparalleled flexibility and customization capabilities. Operating on ebuilds, which are text files defining specific packages and their management, Portage provides administrators with granular control over package dependencies, software versions, and upgrade timings. We recommend Portage for its out-of-the-box functionality as a fully functional development environment, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a versatile and adaptable package management solution. Our recommendation is based on Portage's reputation for delivering outstanding flexibility and robustness, making it suitable for both individual users and enterprise-level deployments.

Portage is Gentoo’s official package manager and software distribution system. It provides outstanding flexibility, which makes it an OS-independent package manager. Although Portage is built for Gentoo, it is also used by Chrome OS, Calculate, and others.

Portage allows package, dependencies, and repository management. It lets administrators fine-tune packages to suit their specific needs, manage config files and multiple slots for different versions of the same software.

Who is it recommended for?

Portage is recommended for users of Gentoo and other Linux distributions seeking a highly customizable and flexible package management solution. It caters to individuals and system administrators looking for fine-grained control over package management, dependencies, and repository configurations. With its support for managing multiple slots for different versions of the same software and extensive configuration options, Portage is ideal for environments requiring tailored software installations and optimizations. Whether for developers, power users, or enterprise deployments, Portage offers a comprehensive and adaptable package management experience.

Example of useful Gentoo’s commands:

Verdict: Portage is considered one of the most advanced package management systems. But starting with Gentoo Linux can be challenging. Gentoo doesn’t come with pre-compiled software and management tools, so you must configure everything from scratch.

7. Honorable Mentions

Below are three honorable mentions for Linux Package Managers. 

• eoPKG
  Solus, an Arch-based Linux distribution, uses a package management system know as eoPKG (evolve OS package). eoPKG is based on PiSi (Packages Installed Successfully as Intended), the package manager from Pardus Linux.

• NIX
  A cross-platform package manager with a unique approach to package management and system configuration. The NIX package manager is the foundation of the NixOS Linux distribution.

• Snap or Snappy
  Canonical, the company responsible for Ubuntu, develops Snap, an alternative way to manage packages. Snap can be used in Ubuntu, as well as other Linux distributions. Snap uses Snaps, the containerized software packages that are easy to build and deploy.

Final Words

A package manager would not make you change to an entirely new distribution, but it does make a big difference. After all, package managers simplify installing, updating software on Linux, and even dealing with the dependency hell.

We went through the best and most popular Linux Package managers in this post, including YUM, APT, Pacman, Zypp/Zypper, DNF, and Gentoo’s Portage.

Which one is your favorite package manager?

Please leave your comments below.

Linux package manager FAQs

• RPM packages (. rpm)
• Debian packages (. deb)
• TAR archives (. tar)
• TGZ archives (. tgz)
• GZip Archives (. gz)