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Package Management

dpkg

Queries and manipulates Debian package files and database entries.

dpkg is the low-level Debian package tool. apt handles repositories and dependencies; dpkg handles installed package records and .deb files.

Syntax
dpkg [options] [package-or-file]

Arguments explained

  • -l lists installed packages.
  • -L lists files in an installed package.
  • -S finds which package owns a file.
  • -i installs a local .deb file.

Common examples

Find owner of a file
dpkg -S /bin/ls

Shows which installed package owns /bin/ls.

List files in a package
dpkg -L coreutils

Displays files installed by coreutils.

dpkg Command
FieldDetails
Commanddpkg
CategoryPackage Management
Primary useQueries and manipulates Debian package files and database entries.
Syntaxdpkg [options] [package-or-file]

Related articles

apt

Manages packages on Debian and Ubuntu-style systems.

apt-get

Script-friendly Debian package management tool.

rpm

Queries and manipulates RPM package files and database entries.