How to Install Software in Linux Mint Using Terminal

Why waste time on graphical interfaces when you can install software quickly and efficiently with the terminal? Many new Linux Mint users might feel a bit intimidated by the terminal at first. However, once you start using it, you’ll realize how powerful and efficient it is. Whether you’re installing a simple media player, or complex development tools, the terminal can handle it all with a few commands. Let's dive into how to install software on Linux Mint through the terminal, with focus on practicality and efficiency, leaving you more time to enjoy your system.

1. Introduction to Package Managers

In Linux Mint, software management is primarily done through package managers. These tools help you install, update, and remove software from your system with ease. Linux Mint mainly uses APT (Advanced Package Tool), but there are also other package managers like Flatpak and Snap. Each of these tools has its strengths, but the focus here will be on using APT, the most commonly used tool in Linux distributions like Mint.
Here’s a brief overview of how package managers work:

Package Manager	Description
APT	Default package manager for Linux Mint. Manages .deb packages. Simple and efficient for most users.
Flatpak	Used for sandboxed applications. Provides additional security but may require more disk space.
Snap	Offers self-contained software packages. Managed by Canonical, with broader application availability.

2. Basic Command to Update Your System

Before installing any software, it’s crucial to ensure that your system is up to date. This prevents compatibility issues and ensures that the latest versions of software and dependencies are available. Run the following command to update your system:

sql
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

• sudo: Grants administrative privileges for the command.
• apt update: Fetches the latest package lists from repositories.
• apt upgrade: Installs the latest available versions of your installed software.
• -y: Automatically answers ‘yes’ to prompts, allowing the process to proceed without interruption.

Pro Tip: Regularly updating your system helps you avoid security vulnerabilities and ensures smooth software installation.

3. Installing Software via APT

Now that your system is updated, let’s install some software! The basic syntax for installing software using APT is as follows:

go
sudo apt install <package-name>

For instance, to install VLC Media Player, type:

sudo apt install vlc

After hitting Enter, APT will fetch the required files, show you the package size, and ask for confirmation to continue. You can press ‘Y’ to proceed or append -y to the command to skip this prompt. In a few seconds, VLC will be installed and ready to use.

4. Removing Software via APT

If you ever need to uninstall software, you can do so easily using APT. The command to remove a package is:

lua
sudo apt remove <package-name>

For example, to remove VLC:

arduino
sudo apt remove vlc

This command removes the package but retains its configuration files. If you also want to remove configuration files, use the following command:

go
sudo apt purge <package-name>

This cleans up any leftover files associated with the software, keeping your system tidy.

5. Searching for Software

You might not always know the exact name of the package you want to install. Thankfully, you can search for software using the following command:

php
apt search <software-name>

For example, to search for image editors:

arduino
apt search image editor

APT will list all available packages related to image editors, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your needs.

6. Installing Software from External Repositories

Sometimes, the software you want isn’t available in the default Linux Mint repositories. In these cases, you’ll need to add an external repository to your system. Here's how to do it:

1. Add the repository:

   csharp
   sudo add-apt-repository ppa:  
   

   Replace with the actual name of the repository.

2. Update the package list:

   sql
   sudo apt update  
   

3. Install the software:

   go
   sudo apt install <package-name>  
   

For example, if you want to install the latest version of the graphics editing tool GIMP, which might not always be up-to-date in the default repositories, you can add its PPA and install it:

sql
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:otto-kesselgulasch/gimp
sudo apt update
sudo apt install gimp

7. Installing Software via Flatpak and Snap

While APT is excellent for most installations, Flatpak and Snap offer a more secure and isolated way to install software. Some software is exclusively available through these systems. To install Flatpak software, use the following command:

go
flatpak install <package-name>

For example, to install Spotify via Flatpak:

arduino
flatpak install flathub com.spotify.Client

For Snap packages, the command is even simpler:

go
sudo snap install <package-name>

For instance, to install the postman tool:

sudo snap install postman

Note: Flatpak and Snap applications may require more disk space and might not integrate as tightly with the system as APT packages.

8. Verifying Installed Software

After installing software, you may want to verify if the installation was successful. For this, you can use the following command to check the version of the installed software:

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<package-name> --version

For example, to check the version of VLC:

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vlc --version

This ensures that the correct version has been installed and is working properly.

9. Cleaning Up Unused Packages

Over time, your system may accumulate unused packages, especially after multiple installations and removals. To free up space, you can use the following command to remove unnecessary packages:

sudo apt autoremove

This command removes all orphaned packages that are no longer required by any installed software. It’s a good habit to run this command periodically to keep your system clean and efficient.

10. Common Issues and How to Solve Them

You may occasionally encounter issues when installing software through the terminal. Some common problems include broken dependencies, unavailable packages, or permission issues. Here are some ways to fix these issues:

• Fixing broken dependencies:
  If you encounter dependency errors, you can attempt to fix them using the following command:

  css
  sudo apt --fix-broken install  
  

• Package not found:
  If APT cannot find a package, ensure that the package name is correct and that you have updated your package list:

  sql
  sudo apt update  
  

  You may also need to enable additional repositories or PPAs.

• Permission issues:
  Ensure that you are running commands with sudo if administrative privileges are required.

Final Thoughts

Linux Mint’s terminal-based software installation offers a fast, efficient, and powerful way to manage your system. While it might seem daunting at first, with regular use, you’ll appreciate the flexibility and control it provides. Whether you’re installing from APT, Flatpak, or Snap, mastering these tools will enhance your Linux Mint experience significantly.

Now, it’s your turn to take command of your system. Don’t shy away from the terminal—it’s your best friend in Linux!