linux

Differentiate Apt and Apt-Get

Both manage packages on Debian-based distributions

apt-get

• Older, lower-level tool
• Subcommands: install, remove, update, upgrade, dist-upgrade, autoremove
• Fine-tuned control for dependencies and package states
• Backward compatible, ideal for scripts and automation.

apt

• Newer (Debian 8, Ubuntu 16.04), higher-level front-end to apt-get and apt-cache
• Streamlined commands; auto-runs update before upgrade if needed
• Not fully backward compatible, best for interactive terminal use

Why Run Apt Update and Apt Upgrade Before Installing?

Ensures system is up-to-date for latest, compatible packages

apt update

• Updates local package index from repositories
• Fetches latest metadata to avoid missing versions or dependencies
• Prevents "package not found" errors

apt upgrade

• Upgrades installed packages to latest versions
• Fixes dependencies for new software
• Applies security patches and improves stability

Why both?

• Update fetches data, upgrade applies it. Prevents incompatibilities
• On servers, minimizes downtime

When to skip?

• If recently run with no repository changes
• In offline setups