Clean and Autoclean Command
The apt-get clean command removes all downloaded package files from your system's local repository, targeting files in /var/cache/apt/archives/ and /var/cache/apt/archives/partial/. This frees up disk space and is useful for regular maintenance.
apt-get autoclean is a selective version of clean. It removes only obsolete package files that can't be downloaded anymore. This frees up space while leaving some useful cache intact. If you reinstall a program, your system can grab the updated package from its source.
Both commands work to keep your software assets efficient, with autoclean being less aggressive than clean.
"Clean clears out the local repository of retrieved package files. It removes everything but the lock file from /var/cache/apt/archives/ and /var/cache/apt/archives/partial/."
Autoremove Unnecessary Packages
apt-get autoremove clears out supporting packages that were once needed but are now unnecessary. When you remove a main application, its dependencies can remain. Running autoremove helps clear these auxiliary packages.
It's advisable to check what autoremove plans to discard, as sometimes a seemingly redundant package may still be vital for another application. If autoremove removes too much, reinstalling the affected software usually resolves the issue.
Autoremove helps maintain a streamlined, efficient system setup.
- Removes packages no longer required
- Cleans up after uninstalling applications
- Frees up valuable disk space
Purge for a Fresh Start
The apt-get purge command removes software and clears out all associated configuration settings. Unlike the typical remove command, which keeps some configuration, purge removes all historical settings.
Purge focuses on system-wide config files, leaving your personal settings in your home directory intact. This command ensures that your next app setup will be completely fresh, without interference from old configurations.
Note: Use purge with caution, as it removes all traces of an application's system-wide settings.
Regular maintenance using these commands helps keep your computing environment organized and efficient. It's recommended to incorporate these cleaning tasks into your system maintenance routine.
- Debian. apt-get manual page. Debian Documentation.
- Ubuntu. Ubuntu Server Guide: Package Management. Canonical Ltd.
- Red Hat. Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8: Managing software. Red Hat Documentation.
