Score:1

Ubuntu 21.04. Does apt update and apt upgrade work on all apps?

in flag

Newbie here. About 3 weeks ago I switched from Windows 10 to Ubuntu 21.04. Occasionally I do ‘sudo apt update’ and ‘sudo apt upgrade’. Does this update/upgrade all my apps? If not, how can I tell which apps are not getting updated/upgraded?

I want to keep all my apps up to date. I have installed a few snaps, flatpaks and appimages.

guiverc avatar
cn flag
`apt` works on *deb* packages. The `apt update` updates your software repository lists, and `apt upgrade` upgrades packages from those lists (but may leave some behind until you perform the `apt full-upgrade`; ie. letting you control when removal of packages occur etc). Upgrade can leave some behind; use `man apt`to view the manual pages. Apt doesn't upgrade other package types, eg. snaps, flatpaks, appimages etc.
guiverc avatar
cn flag
also asked at https://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=2465595
Score:6
cn flag

Apt only works on deb packages. Nothing else.

It doesn't work on Snaps. Nor Flatpaks. Nor Pips. Nor Wheels. Nor Brews. Nor git clones. Nor source code that you compiled or downloaded or write. Nor anything else.

As the system admin, it's YOUR responsibility to keep track of what you install. Apt is one great tool to help make your tracking super-easy and prevent many common mistakes, but it's just software: It cannot be responsible for the consequences of your decisions.

Generally, for new users, we recommend that you stick to the default Deb and Snap packages in your Ubuntu Software application. When you are ready to handle the learning curve, risks, and bookkeeping of the many other methods, then you can swim in the deep water.

Basilevs avatar
cn flag
Hilarious list. Made my day. Thanks.
Score:4
zw flag

You can create an alias for the command like

sudo sh -c "apt update && apt dist-upgrade -y && snap refresh && flatpak upgrade -y"

to get upgrades for applications from all sources - APT, Snap and FlatPak.

To manage AppImages you can install AppImageLauncher from the AppImageLauncher - Stable PPA - Official Releases to your system by using commands below:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:appimagelauncher-team/stable
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install appimagelauncher

and then check its updater component for AppImages which support AppImageUpdate routine.

Score:1
bs flag

how can I tell which apps are not getting updated/upgraded? By knowing which packages have been upgraded, you can know which ones have not been upgraded. You just have to hit this command before upgrade (and after update):

apt list --upgradable

Or you can hit this command.

apt-get update && apt list --upgradable
ChanganAuto avatar
us flag
Unlike the other answers this one doesn't address snap, flatpak, etc.
Score:1
za flag

apt updates works with deb packages alone. As a new user though I recommend you install the software and snap store desktop applications . They often show the packages with latest updates and you always update with one click.

wjandrea avatar
cn flag
*"Ubuntu works with deb packages alone"* -- What do you mean by that? Do you mean that `apt` only upgrades deb packages?
nyaribari avatar
za flag
Yes that’s what I meant. Sorry, I have edited the answer.
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