The package manager Debian APT has received a major update with the release of version 3.0.This new release represents a key step in the package distribution ecosystem for Debian-based GNU/Linux systems, including Ubuntu. APT 3.0 has been released as the new stable version after a development period marked by significant changes in both the visual appearance and internal workings of the package manager.
APT 3.0 It not only changes on the outside, it also changes on the insideAmong its most notable new features is the introduction of a clearer and more organized interface, as well as a new dependency resolver. These improvements impact not only those who administer Debian servers, but also more advanced users who manage their packages from the command line.
APT 3.0 features a clearer and more accessible interface
One of the most visible improvements of APT 3.0 is its revamped command line interface. It is now displayed in a columnar output format that makes it easier to read by organizing the information more neatly. This reorganization aims to save users time by allowing them to more quickly locate the packages they want to install or update.
Another visual novelty is the incorporation of colors to identify specific actions.For example, package removals are displayed in red, while other actions, such as installations and updates, are presented in green. This color coding significantly improves the speed with which the changes APT makes to the system are understood.
Additionally, the installation progress bar has been polished and now includes Unicode blocks. to render progress in a smoother and more visually consistent manner with the modern terminal environment. The interface also reduces verbosity on the way out, offering a cleaner experience focused on what's relevant.
New, more efficient packet resolver in APT 3.0
APT 3.0 includes a completely new packet resolver that can be activated via the option --solverThis engine has been designed to make smarter decisions during the dependency resolution process and allows for fallback to non-candidate versions if necessary.
Also the behavior of the command has been modified autoremove, doing it more aggressive to free up space by more aggressively removing packages that are no longer needed and keeping only those considered essential according to the new resolution logic.
New features for administrators and power users
Version 3.0 of the APT manager It brings with it several additional features that enhance the advanced user experience. Among them is support for --target-release in command apt list, useful for filter listings depending on a specific version of the operating system.
Added option --comment so that users can include annotations in the APT action history, allowing more detailed tracking of changes made to the system.
Another notable improvement is the Integration of a Git-style automatic paginator, which allows you to comfortably navigate through long text outputs. In addition, information about packet pinning priorities has begun to be displayed via the option apt show --full.
Compatibility, modernization, and backend improvements
With the aim of adapting to modern architectures, APT 3.0 has improved its compatibility with debian-ports and add the command modernize-sources to facilitate the updating of software sources.
Support for uncompressed indexes on local mirrors (file:/) is also released., optimizing the access time to data in certain configurations, and improvements to the calculation of installed core size in /boot, critical area in systems with limited partitions.
In the cryptographic dependencies section, APT You can now work with OpenSSL instead of GnuTLS and gcrypt, a decision that aims to reduce the maintenance burden of the project and improve compatibility with widely used libraries.
Updates to documentation and translations
The effort to make APT an accessible and global tool is reflected in the inclusion of multiple language updates. Translations into Dutch, Brazilian Portuguese, Romanian, German, French and Catalan have been updated, ensuring a friendlier experience for speakers of various languages.
Internal documentation has also received improvements., con el objetivo de clarify behaviors and facilitate software maintenance by the community of developers and users.
Availability and future
APT 3.0 will be present by default in Debian 13 “Trixie”, which is planned for release in mid-2025. It is also expected to be adopted in Ubuntu 25.04 — a preliminary version was already being used by Ubuntu —, which is scheduled for release soon. For now, this version has been introduced in the unstable branch of Debian and will begin rolling out gradually.
This release is dedicated to Steve Langasek, a well-known contributor to both the Debian and Ubuntu projects.His work significantly influenced the evolution of fundamental tools of the system, such as APT itself.
For those who want to try APT 3.0 as soon as possible, The source and binary package are available in the Debian unstable repositories.From there, you can compile or install it if you're willing to accept some stability risks inherent to these pre-stable channel releases.
With APT 3.0 Debian introduces a substantial evolution of its base tool for software managementThis new chapter in the history of the package manager responds not only to technical needs, but also to the search for a more comfortable, useful, and efficient experience for its most demanding users. Between internal and visual changes and new features, APT 3.0 is shaping up to be a key release for the future of the system.