Ubuntu and other Debian-based Linux distributions have long relied on the apt package manager to install, remove, and manage software packages. While apt is highly reliable, it is known for being quite basic in terms of user experience and performance enhancements. Enter Nala an alternative to apt, a modern, user-friendly alternative to apt that seeks to make package management more efficient, informative, and aesthetically pleasing. Nala is not a complete replacement but a complementary tool that enhances your Ubuntu experience without drastically altering your workflow.
In this article, we’ll dive into what Nala offers, why it’s gaining popularity among Ubuntu users, and how you can easily install it on your system.
What is Nala – an alternative to apt?
Nala is a front-end for apt that is designed to enhance the user experience by improving some of apt‘s shortcomings. Nala makes package management on Debian-based systems like Ubuntu more efficient and visually appealing by adding features such as parallel downloads, a faster mirror selection tool, and a detailed interactive history. Unlike apt, which is functional but minimalistic, Nala focuses on enhancing usability and speed without compromising the integrity of the package management process.
Key Features of Nala – an alternative to apt
- Parallel Downloads
One of the most significant advantages of Nala over apt is its ability to download packages in parallel. This drastically reduces the time required to install or update multiple packages. Instead of fetching packages one by one as apt does, Nala downloads them simultaneously, leading to a more efficient package management process. If you’re installing large software packages or updating your system, the time savings can be quite noticeable.
- Interactive History
Nala also brings an interactive history feature, which is especially useful for keeping track of package management tasks. Unlike apt, where reviewing history might require manually parsing logs, Nala offers a straightforward and user-friendly way to navigate through past actions, such as installs, upgrades, and removals. You can easily reverse a specific command or inspect the changes made to your system at any given point.
- Fastest Mirror Tool
Another standout feature is Nala’s fastest mirror selection tool. By default, apt pulls packages from a predefined repository mirror, which may not always be the fastest option. Nala can automatically determine and configure the fastest mirrors available for your region. This ensures quicker downloads during updates or installations, as Nala connects you to the fastest possible servers.
- Prettier than apt
While functionality is critical, the user experience also matters. Nala significantly improves on apt in terms of aesthetics by providing a cleaner and more colorful output. The default apt output can sometimes be cluttered and hard to read, especially during long package installations or upgrades. Nala offers well-structured, color-coded output, making it easier to follow what’s happening. This might seem like a minor improvement, but a better interface makes package management a more pleasant experience.
How to Install Nala on Ubuntu
Installing Nala on Ubuntu is a straightforward process. Since Nala is designed to work alongside apt, you can install it via the command line by following these steps:
- Update the package list: Before installing Nala, make sure your package list is up-to-date.
sudo apt update- Install Nala: To install Nala, you will need to add the repository and then install it using
apt.
sudo apt install nala- Verify Installation: After installation, you can verify that Nala is working by running:
nala --helpThis will display a list of available commands, confirming that Nala is successfully installed.
Nala as an Alternative to apt, Not a Replacement
It’s important to emphasize that Nala is an alternative, not a replacement, for apt. This means you can still use apt commands as you always have. Nala acts as a front-end that enhances certain areas like download speed, mirror selection, and usability, but it doesn’t fundamentally alter how apt works under the hood. If you prefer using apt for certain tasks, you can switch back to it anytime. Nala simply gives you more options, allowing you to choose the best tool for the task at hand.
How to Update Nala?
Updating Nala is straightforward, as it follows the same process as updating any other package on Ubuntu. Since Nala is installed through apt, you can update it along with other system packages. Here’s how you can update Nala:
Step-by-Step Guide to Update Nala
- Update the Package List: First, you should update your package list to ensure that your system is aware of the latest version of Nala available in the repositories.
sudo apt update- Upgrade Nala: After updating the package list, upgrade all installed packages, including Nala. You can do this with the following command:
sudo apt upgrade nalaThis command will only upgrade Nala if a new version is available.
- Full System Upgrade (Optional): If you want to update all the packages on your system, including Nala, you can run:
sudo apt upgrade- Verify the Update: After upgrading, you can verify the version of Nala to ensure it’s up to date by using:
nala --versionBy following these steps, you’ll always have the latest version of Nala running on your Ubuntu system.
Conclusion
Nala – an alternative to apt is a powerful and user-friendly alternative to apt that enhances the overall experience of managing packages on Ubuntu. With features like parallel downloads, interactive history, the fastest mirror tool, and a more readable output, Nala adds both speed and style to package management. Best of all, it works alongside apt, offering a seamless transition for users who want more control without having to abandon the familiar apt commands.
For those looking to improve their Ubuntu Linux experience with a modern package manager, Nala is a solid choice. Give it a try, and you’ll likely find yourself using it more frequently for day-to-day tasks! Click here to visit the GitHub link of nala package manager.
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