Fixing broken packages in Debian systems
Stepping Outside
The Debian package manager has other front ends, notably Synaptic [5], a desktop interface. However, if apt-get
, dpkg
, or aptitude
cannot restore full functionality, then the chances are high that neither Synaptic nor anything else can do so.
That is not to say that finding a solution is easy. Resolving broken dependencies can take hours, and the complications are so numerous that, when you do find a solution, it can feel like luck. The real solution, though, is to work systematically through the possibilities.
All the same, if you regularly find yourself in dependency hell – as broken dependencies were once called – then maybe you should consider your computing habits.
While everyone is tempted by the latest possible release and can make mistakes out of enthusiasm, by stepping outside the safety of the package management system, you are striking out on your own. An expert can do that, but to do so requires caution every step of the way. Otherwise, you may be reduced to desperate efforts such as editing a package's scripts or fiddling with /etc/apt/preferences
in the faint hope of changing results that have already failed.
Some users thrive on such challenges. Many even find solutions that fall short of reinstalling the entire system. All the same, you have only yourself to blame if you find yourself wasting your time trying to re-enable the package manager instead of being productive or enjoying yourself.
Infos
- apt-get: https://wiki.debian.org/apt-get
- aptitude: https://wiki.debian.org/Aptitude
- dpkg: https://wiki.debian.org/dpkg
- Debian bug tracker: https://www.debian.org/Bugs/
- Synaptic: https://wiki.debian.org/Synaptic
« Previous 1 2
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Direct Download
Read full article as PDF:
Price $2.95
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Find SysAdmin Jobs
News
-
LibreOffice 7.5 has Arrived and is Loaded with New Features and Improvements
The favorite office suite of the Linux community has a new release that includes some visual refreshing and new features across all modules.
-
The Next Major Release of Elementary OS Has Arrived
It's been over a year since the developers of elementary OS released version 6.1 (Jólnir) but they've finally made their latest release (Horus) available with a renewed focus on the user.
-
KDE Plasma 5.27 Beta Is Ready for Testing
The latest beta iteration of the KDE Plasma desktop is now available and includes some important additions and fixes.
-
Netrunner OS 23 Is Now Available
The latest version of this Linux distribution is now based on Debian Bullseye and is ready for installation and finally hits the KDE 5.20 branch of the desktop.
-
New Linux Distribution Built for Gamers
With a Gnome desktop that offers different layouts and a custom kernel, PikaOS is a great option for gamers of all types.
-
System76 Beefs Up Popular Pangolin Laptop
The darling of open-source-powered laptops and desktops will soon drop a new AMD Ryzen 7-powered version of their popular Pangolin laptop.
-
Nobara Project Is a Modified Version of Fedora with User-Friendly Fixes
If you're looking for a version of Fedora that includes third-party and proprietary packages, look no further than the Nobara Project.
-
Gnome 44 Now Has a Release Date
Gnome 44 will be officially released on March 22, 2023.
-
Nitrux 2.6 Available with Kernel 6.1 and a Major Change
The developers of Nitrux have officially released version 2.6 of their Linux distribution with plenty of new features to excite users.
-
Vanilla OS Initial Release Is Now Available
A stock GNOME experience with on-demand immutability finally sees its first production release.