ports is a command-line tool that is used for updating and listing the ports tree on a CRUX system. CRUX is a lightweight Linux distribution that is designed for advanced users and provides a minimalist environment that can be customized to suit individual needs.
In CRUX, the ports tree is a collection of package build scripts that are used to build and install software from source code. The ports tool is used to manage this collection of package build scripts and to ensure that the software installed on the system is up-to-date and secure.
When run with the update option, the ports tool fetches the latest version of the ports tree from the CRUX repository and updates the local copy on the system. This ensures that the latest package build scripts are available for building and installing software from source code.
The ports tool can also be used to list the available packages in the ports tree using the list option. This displays a list of all the available package build scripts and their corresponding package names and descriptions. This can be useful for finding and installing new software on the system.
In addition to updating and listing the ports tree, the ports tool provides a range of options for customizing the behavior of the tool. For example, the search option can be used to search for specific packages in the ports tree, while the fetch option can be used to download the source code for a specific package.
ports Command Examples
1. Update the ports tree:
# ports -u
2. List the ports in the current tree:
# ports -l
3. Check the differences between installed packages and the ports tree:
# ports -d
Summary
Overall, the ports tool is an essential tool for managing the ports tree and installing software from source code on a CRUX system. It helps to ensure that the system is up-to-date and secure and provides a convenient way to install and manage software packages.