PackageKit is a software abstraction layer that provides a unified interface for managing software packages on Linux-based operating systems. It is used by popular package management tools such as Discover and Gnome Software. One of the tools that is included with PackageKit is the pkcon command-line client.
The pkcon command-line client is designed to be an alternative to the traditional package management tools like apt or yum. It provides a simple and intuitive interface for searching for, installing, and updating software packages on a Linux-based system.
One of the main advantages of using pkcon is that it provides a more user-friendly and uniform command-line interface across different Linux distributions. Instead of having to remember different commands and options for different package managers, users can use the same commands and syntax across different distributions that use PackageKit.
pkcon also has some additional features that are not available with other package management tools. For example, it can be used to manage firmware updates and can install updates automatically in the background without interrupting the user’s workflow. Additionally, pkcon can be used to manage packages from different sources, including Flatpak and Snap packages.
Overall, pkcon is a useful tool for managing software packages on Linux-based systems. It provides a simple and unified interface that is easy to use and understand, and it offers some additional features that are not available with other package management tools. If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional package managers like apt or yum, pkcon is definitely worth considering.
If you encounter the below error while running the command pkcon:
pkcon: command not found
you may try installing the below package as per your choice of distribution:
| Distribution | Command |
|---|---|
| Debian | apt-get install packagekit-tools |
| Ubuntu | apt-get install packagekit-tools |
| Arch Linux | pacman -S PackageKit |
| Kali Linux | apt-get install packagekit-tools |
| Raspbian | apt-get install packagekit-tools |
pkcon Command Examples
1. Install a package:
# pkcon install package
2. Remove a package:
# pkcon remove package
3. Refresh the package cache:
# pkcon refresh
4. Update packages:
# pkcon update
5. Search for a specific package:
# pkcon search package
6. List all available packages:
# pkcon get-packages