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
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
![Learn More](https://www.linux-magazine.com/var/linux_magazin/storage/images/media/linux-magazine-eng-us/images/misc/learn-more/834592-1-eng-US/Learn-More_medium.png)
News
-
Endless OS 6 has Arrived
After more than a year since the last update, the latest release of Endless OS is now available for general usage.
-
Fedora Asahi 40 Remix Available for Macs with Apple Silicon
If you've been anticipating KDE's Plasma 6 for your Apple Silicon-powered Mac, then you're in luck.
-
Red Hat Adds New Deployment Option for Enterprise Linux Platforms
Red Hat has re-imagined enterprise Linux for an AI future with Image Mode.
-
OSJH and LPI Release 2024 Open Source Pros Job Survey Results
See what open source professionals look for in a new role.
-
Proton 9.0-1 Released to Improve Gaming with Steam
The latest release of Proton 9 adds several improvements and fixes an issue that has been problematic for Linux users.
-
So Long Neofetch and Thanks for the Info
Today is a day that every Linux user who enjoys bragging about their system(s) will mourn, as Neofetch has come to an end.
-
Ubuntu 24.04 Comes with a “Flaw"
If you're thinking you might want to upgrade from your current Ubuntu release to the latest, there's something you might want to consider before doing so.
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.