How to Completely Remove a Package from Ubuntu

Completely removing a package from Ubuntu is crucial for maintaining system performance and managing disk space. When you uninstall a package, the default methods often leave behind residual files, dependencies, and configurations that can consume valuable storage and potentially slow down your system. Addressing these leftovers ensures a cleaner, more efficient operating environment.

Ubuntu employs several package managers, each with its specific commands for managing software:

• APT (Advanced Package Tool): The default package management tool for Debian-based distributions like Ubuntu. It handles packages installed through apt commands.
• DPKG (Debian Package): A lower-level package management tool used for handling individual .deb files directly.
• SNAP: A universal package manager that allows applications to be packaged and run across various Linux distributions.

In this guide, you will learn how to remove packages from Ubuntu using different package managers thoroughly.

Prerequisites

• A familiarity with terminal commands and basic navigation is essential. You should be comfortable with opening a terminal and executing commands.
• You will need access to an Ubuntu server or desktop environment where you have the necessary permissions to install or remove software.
• Changing system configurations and removing packages typically requires root or sudo access. Ensure you have the appropriate permissions to execute these commands.

Completely Remove an APT-Based Package

Introduction to APT Package Management

APT (Advanced Package Tool) is the default package management tool for Debian-based systems like Ubuntu. It streamlines the process of installing, updating, and removing software packages. When it comes to removing packages, APT provides several options to ensure that you can cleanly and thoroughly uninstall software, including its associated files and dependencies.

Remove the Package Only

To remove a package while keeping its configuration files intact, use the remove command. This method is useful if you plan to reinstall the package later and want to preserve its settings.

Command Structure:

sudo apt remove [package_name]

Example:

sudo apt remove telegram-desktop

This command will uninstall the Telegram Desktop application but leave behind any configuration files and dependencies that were installed with it.

Remove Additional Packages

For a more thorough clean-up, including removing configuration files associated with the package, use the purge command. This option ensures that no residual files are left behind, which can be important for freeing up space or resolving issues with leftover configurations.

Command Structure:

sudo apt purge [package_name]

Example:

sudo apt purge telegram-desktop

Here, the purge command will remove both the Telegram Desktop application and its associated configuration files, providing a cleaner uninstallation.

Remove Dependencies

When you remove a package, it might leave behind dependencies that were installed to support that package. These dependencies can accumulate over time and take up unnecessary space. The autoremove command helps clean up these unused packages.

Command Structure:

sudo apt autoremove

Example:

After running:

sudo apt autoremove

Your system will automatically remove any orphaned packages that were dependencies for uninstalled software, streamlining your system and freeing up disk space.

Combined Removal Command

For a complete removal process that includes the package, its configuration files, and any associated dependencies, use the combined remove --purge --autoremove command. This approach is ideal for a thorough cleanup.

Command Structure:

sudo apt remove --purge --autoremove [package_name]

Example:

sudo apt remove --purge --autoremove telegram-desktop

In this case, the command will remove the Telegram Desktop application, its configuration files, and any dependencies that are no longer needed, ensuring a comprehensive cleanup.

Completely Remove a DPKG-Based Package

DPKG (Debian Package) is a low-level package management tool used by Debian-based systems like Ubuntu. It is responsible for managing the installation, removal, and maintenance of Debian packages. While DPKG handles the package files directly, it does not automatically resolve dependencies or clean up configuration files left behind after removal. For these reasons, DPKG is often used in conjunction with APT, which provides more comprehensive package management features.

Remove the Package

To remove a package using DPKG, while leaving behind configuration files, use the --remove option. This command will uninstall the package but retain any configuration files associated with it. This can be useful if you plan to reinstall the package later and wish to keep your existing settings.

Command Structure:

sudo dpkg --remove [package_name]

Example:

sudo dpkg --remove telegram-desktop

In this example, the --remove command will uninstall the Telegram Desktop application but leave its configuration files in place, allowing you to maintain your settings for future installations.

Purge the Package

For a more thorough removal that includes both the package and its configuration files, use the --purge option. This command ensures that all traces of the package are removed from your system, including any leftover configuration files.

Command Structure:

sudo dpkg --purge [package_name]

Example:

sudo dpkg --purge telegram-desktop

Here, the --purge command will completely remove the Telegram Desktop application and delete all associated configuration files, providing a clean slate.

Best Practices

While DPKG is effective for direct package management, it is generally recommended to use APT for a more comprehensive removal process. APT not only removes the package and its configuration files but also handles the cleanup of dependencies and any additional packages that were installed alongside it. Using APT ensures a more thorough and streamlined approach to package management.

Completely Remove a Snap-Based Package

Snap is a universal package management system developed by Canonical, designed to work across various Linux distributions, including Ubuntu. Snap packages, or “snaps,” are self-contained applications that include all their dependencies, making them portable and easy to install.

To remove a snap package and its associated files, use the snap remove command. This will uninstall the snap package from your system, including all its associated files and configurations stored within the snap directory.

Command Structure:

sudo snap remove [package_name]

Example:

sudo snap remove telegram-desktop

In this example, the snap remove command will completely uninstall the Telegram Desktop snap package along with all files related to it. This ensures that no residual data from the package remains on your system.

Completely Remove Packages Using Ubuntu Software

The Ubuntu Software Center provides a graphical interface for managing installed packages, including their removal. This method is particularly useful for users who prefer a visual approach over the command line.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open Ubuntu Software Center:
   • Click on the “Ubuntu Software” icon in your application menu.
2. Navigate to Installed Applications:
   • In the Ubuntu Software Center, go to the “Installed” tab to view a list of currently installed applications.
3. Find the Package:
   • Locate the package you wish to remove. You can use the search function if necessary.
4. Uninstall the Package:
   • Click on the package entry to open its details page. You will see an “Uninstall” button. Click this button to start the removal process.
5. Confirm Uninstallation:
   • The system will prompt you to confirm the uninstallation. Click “Uninstall” to proceed. You may be asked to enter your password to authorize the removal.

Wrap Up

Removing packages completely from Ubuntu ensures that your system stays clean and efficient, especially when dealing with storage or performance issues.

For APT-based packages, you can use commands like sudo apt remove, sudo apt purge, and sudo apt autoremove to handle different aspects of package removal, including executables, configuration files, and dependencies. When working with DPKG-based packages, the sudo dpkg --remove and sudo dpkg --purge commands help you manage package and configuration file removal. Snap packages require the sudo snap remove command to ensure a thorough clean-up.

Additionally, the Ubuntu Software Center offers a graphical approach to package removal, though it may not always address configuration files or dependencies as comprehensively as command-line methods.

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