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Asked: 2024-09-26T20:57:06+05:30 In:

Will using the command ‘apt-get clean’ negatively impact my Ubuntu system in any way?

I’ve been diving into the world of Ubuntu and doing my best to keep my system healthy and running smoothly. I recently came across the command ‘apt-get clean’, and it’s been on my mind ever since. I know it’s supposed to help clear out the local repository of retrieved package files, which sounds like a good thing since I’m seeing some unnecessary clutter on my hard drive.

But here’s where my worry kicks in: will using this command negatively impact my system in any way? I mean, it seems simple enough, right? Just a clean-up operation. However, I’m a bit concerned about what might actually happen. I’ve heard that once you run this command, it deletes the .deb package files that were downloaded while installing or upgrading software. That means if I ever need to reinstall something, I can’t just pull it from my cache. I’ve read conflicting opinions from friends and online forums—some swear by it, while others suggest I might regret it later.

I’m also curious about how it interacts with other commands. Like, if I run an upgrade or install after using ‘apt-get clean’, will I notice a difference? Is there a chance that my system might slow down because it has to download everything again? Plus, if I’m using software that requires those cached files, am I setting myself up for a headache when I suddenly can’t find them?

Then there’s the issue of space on my SSD. I’m constantly juggling between keeping my system clean and having enough space for new software or updates. Should I just bite the bullet and free up the space, or is there a way to balance it all?

I’d really love to hear from anyone who has been in a similar situation or has some insights on this! Your experiences and advice would be super helpful. What’s the deal with ‘apt-get clean’? Should I go ahead and use it, or would it be better to leave well enough alone?

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    2 Answers



    1. Apt-get Clean Insights

      Apt-get Clean: To Use or Not to Use?

      Sounds like you’re really diving into Ubuntu! 😄 So, let’s break this down. The apt-get clean command is like a spring cleaning for your package cache. It kicks out all those old .deb files that can pile up, which is great for freeing up space on your SSD.

      But, here’s the deal. Once you run it, if you ever need to reinstall a package, you’ll have to download it again from the internet. That doesn’t usually slow things down too much, but it can be a bit annoying if you’ve got a slow connection or if you frequently need to reinstall stuff.

      About the upgrade or install: after you use apt-get clean, the next time you run an install or upgrade, yes, your system will fetch the packages again. So, in that sense, it’s not like you’re leaving things in limbo. Just a heads-up, though—if you rely on a slow or metered connection, this might bite you.

      As for the space situation, if your SSD is getting cramped, and you don’t mind downloading stuff again, jumping into apt-get clean can really help you out. It’s all about finding that balance—keeping things tidy without causing unnecessary headaches.

      From personal experience, it’s also worth noting that most users don’t miss those cached .deb files after cleaning up. Just remember to use it occasionally if you notice your space is running low. So yeah, give it a shot! You can always clean up and manage your space frequently without it being a huge deal. 😊



    2. The ‘apt-get clean’ command is a useful tool in your Ubuntu system maintenance arsenal. When executed, it clears out the local repository of retrieved package files, specifically the .deb files that are stored in the /var/cache/apt/archives directory. While this is generally safe and will free up space, it does mean that if you need to reinstall software that you previously downloaded, the system will have to fetch the installation files from the internet again. This may also lead to additional delays and bandwidth usage during upgrades. However, in most cases, having a tidy system with reduced clutter outweighs the occasional inconvenience of having to re-download packages, especially if you’re managing a limited amount of storage space on your SSD.

      Regarding system performance and interaction with other commands, using ‘apt-get clean’ should not negatively impact the performance of your system. Every time you run ‘apt-get update’, ‘apt-get install’, or ‘apt-get upgrade’, the required files will simply be downloaded again if they aren’t found in the cache. The trade-off between available space and cached files is one that many users face, and it typically comes down to personal preference. If you’re frequently updating and installing new software, using ‘apt-get clean’ periodically can help maintain a balance, preventing your SSD from filling up unnecessarily. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance for your usage patterns—clearing clutter while ensuring you are not significantly hampering your workflow with unnecessary downloads.


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