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How to Install Software from the Terminal

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How to Install Software from the Terminal

Installing software from the terminal might sound intimidating at first, but it is one of the most powerful and efficient ways to manage applications on Linux-based systems. Unlike graphical installers, the terminal gives you complete control, faster performance, and direct access to your system’s package manager.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to install software using different package managers commonly found in Linux distributions.

Why Use the Terminal?

Speed: One command installs everything.
Automation: You can script installations for multiple systems.
Control: See exactly what’s happening during installation.
Lightweight: No need to open a software center.

Package Managers by Distribution

Different Linux distributions use different package managers. Here are the most common ones:

1. Debian/Ubuntu (APT)

APT (Advanced Package Tool) is used in Debian-based systems like Ubuntu and Linux Mint.

sudo apt update
sudo apt install packagename

For example, to install VLC:

sudo apt install vlc

2. Fedora/CentOS/RHEL (DNF or YUM)

Fedora and newer CentOS/RHEL use DNF, while older versions still support YUM.

sudo dnf install packagename

Example:

sudo dnf install vlc

3. Arch Linux (Pacman)

Arch-based systems like Manjaro use Pacman.

sudo pacman -S packagename

Example:

sudo pacman -S vlc

4. openSUSE (Zypper)

SUSE-based distributions use Zypper.

sudo zypper install packagename

Example:

sudo zypper install vlc

Installing from a `.deb` or `.rpm` File

Sometimes, software is distributed as a package file.

For Debian/Ubuntu:

sudo dpkg -i filename.deb
sudo apt -f install   # Fix missing dependencies

For Fedora/RHEL:
```
sudo rpm -ivh filename.rpm
```

Conclusion

Learning to install software from the terminal is a valuable skill for any Linux user. Once you get comfortable with it, you’ll realize it’s not only faster but also more reliable than using a graphical software center.