How to List Installed Packages on Ubuntu Linux
You list installed packages on Ubuntu Linux by running the `apt list –installed` command in your terminal.
This command displays all software currently present on your Ubuntu system, which is essential for tracking your software inventory and managing system updates effectively.
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and other current Ubuntu versions allow users to see all installed software packages. The `dpkg –get-selections` command lists every application and library currently on the system, providing a clear overview of the system's software.
Open your terminal and run the command sudo apt list –installed. This will display a list of all software packages currently installed on your Ubuntu system. You can also use sudo dpkg-query -l for an alternative format.
How to list packages with apt on Ubuntu Linux.
You can easily list all installed packages on your Ubuntu Linux system using the apt command.
Run the commands below to see all the installed packages on Ubuntu Linux using apt.
sudo apt list --installed
When you run the commands above, it will list all installed packages, including information about the package’s versions and architecture.
Listing... Done accountsservice/focal-updates,focal-security,now 0.6.55-0ubuntu12~20.04.4 amd64 [installed,automatic] acl/focal,now 2.2.53-6 amd64 [installed,automatic] acpi-support/focal,now 0.143 amd64 [installed,automatic] acpid/focal,now 1:2.0.32-1ubuntu1 amd64 [installed,automatic] adduser/focal,focal,now 3.118ubuntu2 all [installed,automatic] adwaita-icon-theme/focal-updates,focal-updates,now 3.36.1-2ubuntu0.20.04.2 all [installed,automatic] aisleriot/focal,now 1:3.22.9-1 amd64 [installed,automatic] alsa-base/focal,focal,now 1.0.25+dfsg-0ubuntu5 all [installed,automatic] alsa-topology-conf/focal,focal,now 1.2.2-1 all [installed,automatic] alsa-ucm-conf/focal-updates,focal-updates,now 1.2.2-1ubuntu0.10 all [installed,automatic]
If the list of installed packages is long, you can pipe the output to less to make it easy to read and create a page break. Press the space bar to move to the next screen.
sudo apt list --installed | less
How to list packages with dpkg-query on Ubuntu Linux
If you need a different way to see your installed packages on Ubuntu, the dpkg-query command is another great option.
Run the commands below to list installed packages using the dpkg-query command.
sudo dpkg-query -l
You can also pipe the command to less to create and make it easier to read, as above.
sudo dpkg-query -l | less
You should see a similar list as the one below.
||/ Name Version Architecture Description +++-==========================================-=====================================-============-=====================> ii accountsservice 0.6.55-0ubuntu12~20.04.4 amd64 query and manipulate > ii acl 2.2.53-6 amd64 access control list -> ii acpi-support 0.143 amd64 scripts for handling > ii acpid 1:2.0.32-1ubuntu1 amd64 Advanced Configuratio> ii adduser 3.118ubuntu2 all add and remove users > ii adwaita-icon-theme 3.36.1-2ubuntu0.20.04.2 all default icon theme of>
The pkg-query list is formatted appropriately, as you can see above.
If you want to be a little fancy, you can count the number of packages installed by running the commands below.
sudo dpkg-query -f '${binary:Package}n' -W | wc -lThe command above should output several packages installed on Ubuntu.
That should do it!
Conclusion:
- Listing installed packages on Ubuntu Linux is essential for system management and security.
- Both the
aptanddpkg-querycommands provide efficient ways to view installed packages. - Using the
lesscommand with either of these commands makes it easier to navigate long lists. - The ability to count installed packages helps assess the system’s complexity and manageability.
- Knowing how to list installed packages is a fundamental skill for students and new users learning Linux.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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