The Advanced Packaging Tool (APT) is a package management tool traditionally associated with Debian-based distributions such as Ubuntu. Its main purpose is to facilitate the process of installing, updating, and removing software. Although CentOS utilizes a different package management system known as YUM (Yellowdog Updater Modified), there are situations where APT can be useful on CentOS, such as when working with packages primarily distributed for Debian or Ubuntu. This article will provide you with a detailed guide on how to configure and use APT on CentOS 7.

Installation of APT

While APT is not readily available on CentOS by default, it can be installed. The first step is to add the EPEL (Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux) repository, which provides additional software for Enterprise Linux products, including CentOS. This repository includes the APT package. Installation of the EPEL repository and APT can be done using the following commands:

sudo yum install epel-release
sudo yum update
sudo yum install apt

Configuration of APT

After installing APT, it needs basic configuration. APT stores a list of repositories in the file /etc/apt/sources.list and in additional .list files in the directory /etc/apt/sources.list.d/. Since APT is not common on CentOS, it may be necessary to manually edit these files to reflect repositories compatible with CentOS or repositories specific to the software you wish to install.

Using APT on CentOS

Basic usage of APT includes updating the list of available packages, installing new packages, and removing installed packages. Here are examples of basic commands:

• Update the package list:

  sudo apt update
  ​

• Install a package:

  sudo apt install <package-name>
  ​

• Remove a package:

 

Security and Sustainability

When using APT on CentOS, it is important to consider security and system sustainability. Although installing APT may bring certain benefits, it is necessary to be aware of the risks associated with using software outside of CentOS's standard repositories. Carefully consider the need for APT and whether its benefits outweigh potential risks. It is also important to regularly update all installed packages and monitor the security of the system.

Using APT on CentOS can be useful in certain specific cases, but it requires additional caution and proper configuration. When used correctly, APT can extend the capabilities of your CentOS server and allow you to utilize packages that are not commonly available in YUM repositories.

 

The installation and usage of the Advanced Packaging Tool (APT) on CentOS 7 can provide a flexible approach to software management, especially in cases where you need software primarily distributed for Debian or Ubuntu. However, it is essential to understand that APT is not standard on CentOS, and its usage may require additional steps for proper configuration and system maintenance. It is necessary to ensure that all software and packages are kept up-to-date and secure by monitoring updates and system security. When properly used and configured, APT on CentOS 7 can provide useful tools for managing and installing software, complementing traditional YUM tools.