Re: the new apt-get recommendation

[PMA <PeterArmstrong@aya.yale.edu>]

I have often read advice to the effect that it is best to choose *ONE*
package-handling strategy (dpkg OR apt-get OR aptitude OR synaptic)
and stick to it -- if only to ensure a consistent system representation
of my package installations history.

In preparing to install a given package, what would alert me that my
strategy of choice -- whichever from above -- is NOT a good idea?


Andrew M.A. Cater wrote:
> On Sat, Feb 05, 2011 at 10:22:23AM -0500, Kete wrote:
> > Hello, why have the authors of the Debian 6 release notes chosen to 
> > recommend apt-get? Just a few months ago, I read some other official 
> > documentation recommend aptitude. Why is Debian flip flopping? Now, I have to 
> > learn apt's commands, and already, an apt-cache search doesn't tell me which 
> > packages are installed.
> >
> >
> > --
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>
> Follow the instructions given for upgrades in the release notes and you should be fine.
>
> Crucially, you may need to upgrade kernel/dpkg/apt/aptitude _FIRST_ or do certain steps
> in order. That's normally how it goes.  
>
> This may depend on appropriate dependency resolution and which of apt / aptitude resolves 
> dependencies best or behaves best in a dist-upgrade situation.
>
> This doesn't mean that you have to use apt ever after, though you will find that both apt 
> and aptitude now share common databases and play nicely together.
>
> Oh, and did I mention to read the release notes and follow them ? :)
>
> Hope this helps,
>
> AndyC