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Asked: 2024-09-24T14:38:14+05:30 In:

What is the distinction between using apt-get purge and apt-get remove in Ubuntu?

So, I’ve been diving into package management on Ubuntu, and I keep stumbling across this confusion that I thought could use some clarification. I’m sure other folks have run into it too, so I figured I’d throw it out there – what’s the real deal between using `apt-get purge` and `apt-get remove`? I mean, it seems like they serve a similar purpose, right? But I can’t quite wrap my head around when to use one over the other.

Here’s the situation: I recently installed a couple of packages for some programming projects, and as usual, I wanted to tidy up my system by removing the ones I no longer needed. Initially, I just went for `apt-get remove`, thinking that would do the trick. But then I stumbled upon this term “purge,” and naturally, my curiosity piqued. It got me wondering, am I leaving behind some leftover configuration files when I use just `remove`, or does that command take care of everything if I’m just trying to clean house?

I’ve seen some forums where people had mixed opinions. Some say that using `remove` leaves behind config files just in case you might want to reinstall the package later, while others argue that it’s a simple way to clear up their system without going all out. But with `purge`, it seems you get a deeper clean, getting rid of both the package and those pesky config files that might stick around. Is that right? Or are there specific situations where one command is more beneficial than the other?

I’d love to get some insight from those who have been playing around with these commands for a while. For instance, if you’ve ever dealt with a particularly stubborn package or some gnarly configuration leftovers, which command saved the day for you? And are there any potential downsides to using `purge` over `remove`, especially regarding system stability or package dependencies?

Let’s unravel this mystery together! What are your thoughts?

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    2 Answers






    1. Apt-get Remove vs Purge


      Apt-get Remove vs Purge

      So, here’s the lowdown on the difference between apt-get remove and apt-get purge. You’re right that they seem similar, but they’ve got their own little quirks!

      When you run apt-get remove, it does pretty much what you’d expect: it removes the package. However, it leaves behind any configuration files associated with that package. This can actually be handy if you think you might want to reinstall that package later. It’s like having a safety net for your settings!

      On the flip side, apt-get purge dives deeper. It removes the package and its associated configuration files, pretty much giving you a clean slate. So, if you’re looking to completely clean up after something, or if you’re certain you won’t need that package anymore, purge is the way to go. Think of it as a more thorough decluttering!

      As for not wanting to leave behind those pesky config files, purge definitely helps with that. Nobody wants extra files lying around taking up space for no reason, right? Plus, it can sometimes help avoid confusion later when you’re reinstalling stuff.

      But, a heads up: if a package has certain dependencies, purging it could potentially affect those. So, you might want to double-check what packages are tied to what before you hit that purge button, just to keep your system stable. You don’t want to accidentally kick out something important!

      In short, use remove if you think you might want to come back to a package later, and use purge when you’re ready to give it the boot for good. It’ll definitely clear out those extra files!

      Hope that clears things up a bit! Happy cleaning!


    2. The difference between `apt-get remove` and `apt-get purge` is fundamental to effective package management on Ubuntu. When you use `apt-get remove`, it uninstalls the package but typically leaves behind configuration files. This is intentional; these files can be helpful if you ever decide to reinstall the package, as they preserve your previous settings. It helps with a lightweight cleanup, allowing for potential future reinstallation without the need to reconfigure everything from scratch. On the other hand, `apt-get purge` removes not only the package but also its associated configuration files. This command is ideal for a thorough clean-up, especially if you’re sure you won’t need the package again and want to reclaim the disk space used by its configurations.

      There may indeed be instances where one command is more beneficial than the other. For instance, if you’re troubleshooting issues with a package or testing different configurations, using `remove` might be the smarter choice. However, if you’re conducting routine maintenance and want to keep your system clean of unused packages and their residues, `purge` is the way to go. That said, be aware that using `purge` could potentially remove configuration files that may affect package dependencies in some cases. Always check the implications of purging a package, especially for critical system packages or those heavily integrated into your workflow, as it can affect system stability or the behavior of other applications relying on shared configurations.

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