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Asked: 2024-09-23T15:12:31+05:30 In: ,

What is the proper method to fully uninstall an application in Ubuntu?

So, I’ve been having this really annoying issue with one of the applications I installed on my Ubuntu system. I thought it would be super handy, but honestly, it’s just taking up space and slowing things down. I’ve tried just dragging the icon to the trash, but I know that’s probably not the right way to do it. Plus, I bet there are leftover files hanging around that could mess with my system later.

I really want to make sure I’m doing it the right way this time, so I started looking into how to fully uninstall an application in Ubuntu. It’s not like Windows where you can just click “Uninstall” and be done with it, right? I stumbled across some commands in the terminal, but I’m not sure if those are the best ones or if I’m going to accidentally delete something else I need.

And speaking of terminal commands, does anyone know how risky they are? I’ve read some horror stories about people messing up their systems by executing the wrong command. I don’t want to become one of those cautionary tales. Is there a specific command that’s considered the safest for uninstalling stuff? Or should I be looking for a graphical tool instead?

Also, if there’s a way to check what’s been left behind after uninstalling—like old configuration files or dependencies—I’d love to know how to do that too. I’ve heard the term “dependency hell” thrown around, and it sounds like something I’d like to avoid at all costs.

So, Ubuntu folks, what’s the step-by-step method you would recommend for completely uninstalling an application? Any commands or tools that are particularly safe and easy to use? Would really appreciate your insights because I want to get this right—no leftovers or complications this time! Thanks in advance for your help!

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    2 Answers



    1. How to Uninstall Applications on Ubuntu

      Uninstalling Applications in Ubuntu

      So, you want to get rid of an application on Ubuntu, huh? Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it might seem! Here’s a simple guide to help you out.

      Using the Terminal

      If you’re cool with the terminal (or want to give it a shot), you can use the following commands:

              sudo apt-get remove 
        sudo apt-get purge 
        sudo apt-get autoremove

      Replace <package_name> with the name of the app you want to uninstall. The first command removes the app, the second one also takes out any config files, and the last command cleans up any dependencies that are no longer needed. It’s like a spring cleaning for your system!

      Using a Graphical Tool

      If terminal commands feel a bit risky (totally get that), you can always use a graphical package manager. Applications like Synaptic Package Manager or Ubuntu Software let you search for the application and uninstall it with just a click. No typing weird commands!

      Checking for Leftovers

      After you uninstall, checking for leftover files is a good idea. You can run:

              dpkg -l | grep ^rc

      This shows you configuration files left behind. You can remove those using:

              sudo dpkg --purge

      Be Careful with Commands

      About the risk of terminal commands: always double-check what you’re typing! If a command looks weird or unfamiliar, it’s good to look it up first. Stick with commands related to apt or dpkg for software management, and you should be good to go. No horror stories here!

      Final Thoughts

      Whichever method you choose, just take your time and don’t rush into anything. Ubuntu generally keeps things tidy, so as long as you use the right commands or tools, you won’t trigger any “dependency hell.” Good luck unsintalling, and may your system be fast and clean again!




    2. Uninstalling Applications in Ubuntu

      To fully uninstall an application in Ubuntu, you have a couple of reliable options. The most straightforward method is to use the terminal for a more thorough clean-up. You can execute the following command to remove an application, replacing package-name with the name of the application you wish to uninstall: sudo apt remove package-name. This command will remove the application but may leave behind configuration files. To delete those as well, you can use sudo apt purge package-name. After purging, running sudo apt autoremove will help clean up any unused dependencies that got installed with the application. For those who prefer a graphical interface, you can use Software Center or Synaptic Package Manager, both of which allow you to remove applications without the need to enter commands manually.

      When it comes to the risks associated with terminal commands, exercising caution is key. Always double-check the command before executing it, as some commands may irreversibly affect your system. To check for leftover configuration files, navigate to your home directory and look for hidden files (those starting with a dot) related to the application. You can find them using ls -a. Dealing with dependencies can be tricky, which is why using sudo apt autoremove is beneficial—it ensures that dependency hell is kept at bay. If you want additional safety, consider making backups or creating system snapshots before making significant changes to your system. This way, if anything goes wrong, you can restore your setup easily.


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