Linux package formats

Linux package formats are the different file formats used to package software for various Linux distributions. These are the principal kinds of package:

• Binary packages
• Source packages

Examples

• apk - used on Android
• deb — Debian package, originally from Debian. Used by Debian and derivatives such as Ubuntu.
• ebuild — the file containing information on how to retrieve, compile, and install a package in Gentoo's Portage system using the command emerge. Typically these are source-primary installs, though binary packages can be installed in this fashion as well. Gentoo-based distributions also use the ebuild system from the same Portage tree.
• RPM — RPM Package Manager, originally from Red Hat, is now used by many other distributors as well, like openSUSE and Mandriva Linux.
• pkg.tar.xz - used by Arch Linux's Pacman package manager
• PISI is used by Pardus.
• tgz or tar.gz — standard tar + gzip, possibly with some extra control files — used by Slackware and others, or sometimes when distributing very simple handmade packages.
• SuperDeb — an installer containing a program plus all the dependencies needed, used in Super OS.
• LZM — Used by Slax. Opens with Slax Module Manager, and then gets installed to the KDE menu as a Desktop Config file. May be placed into the Slax CD's Modules folder to get installed at boot.
• PUP and PET - used by Puppy Linux - click and install package type. OS can be installed to a flash drive for portability and will bring apps with it.

See also

• List of software package management systems
• Package management system
• Advanced Packaging Tool
• PackageKit
• CNR (software)