How to install a package with apt or dnf

Topic: Servers linux

Install a single package on Debian/Ubuntu (apt install) or RHEL/Fedora (dnf install), resolve dependencies, and verify the binary and config location. Use this when you need a specific tool or service and the distro provides it.

Intent: How-to

Quick answer

  • Debian/Ubuntu: sudo apt update && sudo apt install PACKAGE; RHEL/Fedora: sudo dnf install PACKAGE. Fix repo or key errors before retrying.
  • Confirm the package name with apt search or dnf search; check which and dpkg -L or rpm -ql to verify install path and config.
  • If install fails on dependencies, run apt -f install or dnf install with the suggested packages; avoid forcing unless you understand the impact.

Prerequisites

Steps

  1. Find the correct package name

    Run apt search keyword or dnf search keyword; pick the official package (e.g. nginx not nginx-full unless you need that flavor).

  2. Install the package

    sudo apt install pkg or sudo dnf install pkg; accept dependencies; note any post-install prompts (e.g. config).

  3. Verify installation

    which service_binary; dpkg -L pkg or rpm -ql pkg to list files; check /etc for config and systemctl status for services.

  4. Enable and start if it is a service

    systemctl enable --now unit; or enable only and start when ready; verify with systemctl status and a quick functional test.

Summary

You will install a single package using apt or dnf, confirm it is installed and where files and config live, and enable/start the service if applicable. Use this whenever you add software from the distro repos.

Prerequisites

  • Root or sudo; network to package mirrors.
  • Knowledge of the package or service name (e.g. nginx, postgresql).

Steps

Step 1: Find the correct package name

apt search nginx
dnf search nginx

Choose the main package (e.g. nginx); use -dev or -doc only if you need headers or docs.

Step 2: Install the package

sudo apt update
sudo apt install nginx

# or
sudo dnf install nginx

Resolve any dependency or repo errors; do not use —force unless you know the consequence.

Step 3: Verify installation

which nginx
dpkg -L nginx | head -20
rpm -ql nginx | head -20
ls /etc/nginx

Step 4: Enable and start if it is a service

sudo systemctl enable --now nginx
sudo systemctl status nginx
curl -s -o /dev/null -w "%{http_code}" http://localhost/

Verification

  • Package is listed in dpkg -l or rpm -qa; binary in PATH or known path; config in /etc; service active if it is a daemon.

Troubleshooting

Package has no installation candidate / No match — Repo may be missing or package name wrong; add the right repo or use the exact name from search.

Unmet dependencies — Run sudo apt -f install or install the listed dependencies; if a conflict, consider an alternative package or repo.

Service fails to start — Check journalctl -u unit; often config error or missing dir; fix config and restart.

Next steps

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