dpkg

Debian package manager (low level)

high risk

interactive breakdown — edit the command and press Explain

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⚠ Risks & cautions

--force-* breaks dependencies.
Only install .deb files from trusted sources.

What it does

Installs .deb files and queries installed packages.

Common flags

Flag	Meaning
`-l`	List packages
`-L`	Files of a package
`-S`	Which package owns a file
`-i`	Install a .deb
`--purge` `--purge`	Remove with config

Examples

dpkg -l | grep nginxIs it installed? · explain & risk-check →

dpkg -S /usr/bin/lsOwner · explain & risk-check →

Related

Open the full explainer →More in Packages & Build

Reference text is hand-written and may be incomplete — check man dpkg for your version. Test destructive commands on a non-production system first.