TL;DR
To apt install specific version of a Package, you can try the following steps.
- Determine the package name and desired version. The open a Terminal window.
- Check the available versions of the package using
apt-cache policy package_name. - Create a pinning configuration file using
sudo nano /etc/apt/preferences. - Add package-specific lines to the pinning configuration file.
- Update the package cache with
sudo apt updateand install the desired version usingsudo apt install package_name.
Read the step-by-step guide below to apt install specific version of a package and explore some common errors with possible solutions.
We’ve all been there, you need a specific version of a package for your project, but apt keeps installing the latest version, causing compatibility issues. Thankfully, there’s a solution, and I’m here to help you through it. In this post, you’ll learn how to use apt to install a specific version of a package. I’ll guide you step-by-step, from checking available versions to setting up a pinning configuration. Plus, I’ll share tips for handling common errors that might pop up. By the end, you’ll be able to manage your package versions with confidence and ease.
How to Apt Install Specific Version of a Package?
To apt install a specific version of a package, first update your package lists with sudo apt update. Then, check available versions with apt-cache policy package_name. Create a pinning configuration file in /etc/apt/preferences.d/ and add rules to specify the desired version and priority.
Save the file, update your package lists again, and finally, install the package using sudo apt install package_name=version_number. Verify the installation with apt-cache policy package_name or by checking the version directly with the package’s command. This method ensures you install and maintain the exact version you need.
That was the quick answer. Here is the detailed step-by-step guide to apt install specific version of a package:
- Determine the name of the package you want to install and the specific version you wish to target. Ensure that the version you intend to install is available in the repositories. In this case, I will install specific versions of the nginx package.
- Open a Terminal window.
- Use the
apt-cachecommand to check the available versions of the package:
apt-cache policy package_nameReplace package_name with the name of the package you want to install.
- If you don’t already have a pinning configuration file, create one using a text editor:
sudo nano /etc/apt/preferencesThe command will create a pinning configuration file.
- In the pinning configuration file, add the following lines:
Package: package_name
Pin: version desired_version
Pin-Priority: 1001Replace package_name with the name of the package and desired_version with the specific version you want to install. The Pin-Priority value of 1001 ensures the specified version takes precedence over others.
- Save the changes and close the pinning configuration file by pressing Ctrl+x and then confirming by pressing y.
- Run the following command to update the package cache with the newly added pinning configuration:
sudo apt updateThe command will update the package cache.
- Finally, install the desired version of the package using the
apt installcommand:
sudo apt install package_nameReplace package_name with the name of the package.
- After the installation completes, verify that the desired version is installed by checking the package’s version:
apt-cache show package_name | grep VersionThe command will show the installed package version.
How to Hold the Package and Prevent Upgrade?
Holding a package stops it from upgrading when you run sudo apt upgrade, ensuring that it stays at the current version.To hold a package and prevent it from upgrading, follow these steps:
- Press Ctrl+Alt+T to open a terminal window.
- Type the following command to hold the package:
sudo apt-mark hold package_nameReplace package_name with the name of the package you want to hold.
- To check if the package is held, use this command:
apt-mark showholdThis will list all the packages currently on hold.
What is Pinning Configuration?
A pinning configuration in apt allows you to specify which versions of packages you want to install and maintain on your system. By creating rules in a configuration file, you can control the priority of different versions of packages from various repositories. This helps ensure that apt installs the exact versions you need, rather than always upgrading to the latest available version.
The configuration typically involves setting priorities (or “pins”) for specific packages or package versions. A higher priority ensures that apt prefers those versions over others. This is especially useful for maintaining compatibility and stability in environments where specific versions are required, such as in development or production systems.
5 Common Errors with Possible Solutions
When installing a specific package version using apt, it’s possible to encounter some common errors. Remember to carefully review any error messages you encounter during the installation process, as they often provide valuable insights into the root cause of the problem. Here are five common errors that you may come across and possible solutions:
1. 🔍 “Package not found” Error
This error typically occurs when the apt cannot locate the specified package. You may encounter the message “E: Unable to locate package package_name.”
To resolve this error, double-check the package name for any spelling errors or typos. Ensure that the package is available in the repositories you have enabled. If the package comes from a third-party repository, ensure it is properly configured in your system.
2. ❌ “Version not found” Error
When you receive the error message “E: Version ‘desired_version’ for ‘package_name’ was not found,” it indicates that the specified version of the package is not available in the repositories you have enabled.
Verify that you have correctly specified the desired version in the pinning configuration file. You may need to explore alternative installation methods or sources if the version is unavailable.
3. ⚠️ Dependency conflict Error
This error arises when there is a conflict between the desired version of a package and its dependencies. You may encounter an error message such as “package_name : Depends: dependency_package (= version) but it is not going to be installed.”
To resolve this error, try updating the conflicting packages or finding compatible versions of the dependencies. In some cases, virtual environments or containers can help isolate the dependencies and resolve conflicts.
4. 🔄 Pinning priority conflict Error
The error message “The pin priority specified in the pinning configuration conflicts with an existing pin priority for ‘package_name'” suggests a conflict in pinning priorities.
Ensure that the pin priority specified in the pinning configuration file is unique and does not clash with other configurations. Adjust the pin priority value to resolve the conflict and correctly prioritize the desired version.
5. 💥 Incomplete package installation Error
This error occurs when the package installation process is interrupted or unable to locate the necessary archive. You may see a message such as “The package ‘package_name’ needs to be reinstalled, but I can’t find an archive for it.”
To troubleshoot this error, ensure a stable internet connection, and run sudo apt update to refresh the package cache. If the problem persists, consider switching to a different repository or contacting the package maintainer for further assistance.
Apt Install a Specific Version: To Sum Up
In this guide, I walked you through how to install a specific version of a package using apt. By following these steps, you can easily find available versions, set up a pinning configuration, and handle dependencies to get the version you need.
For more learning, I suggest checking out some related articles:
- Fixing the “You Have Held Broken Packages” error, which often occurs during package installations.
- Learn how to clear the apt-cache in Linux to resolve issues related to outdated package information and free up space.
- Explore how to use the apt command to search for a package in Ubuntu, which can help you find the exact package versions you need more efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install multiple versions of a package simultaneously?
How do I revert to a previous package version after installation?
apt-cache policy package_name command, verify its presence. If the previous version is found, reinstall it by running sudo apt install package_name=previous_version. However, downgrading packages can introduce compatibility or stability issues, so thorough testing is essential to ensure the desired behavior and avoid potential problems.Can I pin packages from third-party repositories?
/etc/apt/preferences.d/, you can assign priorities to packages from different repositories. Specify the repository and assign a higher priority to ensure that packages from the third-party repository take precedence over default ones. This way, you can pin specific packages from third-party repositories and have control over their installation and updates.Is it possible to exclude a specific package from updates?
apt-mark command. Identify the package you want to exclude by running apt list --upgradable. Then, hold the package version with sudo apt-mark hold package_name. This marks the package as held, preventing it from being updated during system-wide updates. Remember that holding a package can have implications for security and stability, as updates won’t be received. Exercise caution and consider the reasons for excluding a package, ensuring you have an alternative plan to address security or functionality concerns.
