How to delete app in ubuntu

Uninstall applications in Ubuntu using different methods

In the next article we are going to take a look at how you can uninstall Ubuntu applications using different methods. This is something that many people who try to install software do not consider important, until the day comes when they find their operating system full of programs that they only used once or twice.

In Ubuntu, there is not a single possibility to remove applications like Windows. That is why in the following lines, we are going to see different methods to remove the applications that we can install in Ubuntu using snap, flatpak, apt, the Ubuntu software option or the Synaptic package manager.

Table of Contents

Uninstall applications from our Ubuntu system

Using the Ubuntu software option

This is the easiest way to remove installed apps in Ubuntu. From this software option we will be able to remove manually installed applications, Flatpak applications or Snap packages.

If we click on show applications in the Gnome Dock or press the Windows key on our keyboard and type «Ubuntu Software» this tool will open.

After this, you just have to click on the option “installed«Which we will find at the top. This it will show us all the installed Ubuntu applications. A button will appear next to each of them. If we click on this button called “Eliminate”, The removal of the application will begin.

Before proceeding with the uninstallation, the Authentication required box will open. Enter your Ubuntu user password there to begin the uninstallation.

This method it is very efficient for uninstalling packages, however it does not work for everyone. In case you cannot find the program you want to uninstall in the list, you must go to one of the other possibilities to uninstall software.

Uninstall native Ubuntu applications using terminal

Native Ubuntu applications are packages found in Ubuntu software sources. These we will be able to eliminate them through the terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T). We will can list all installed applications using the following command:

With this other command you will also obtain the list of installed applications:

Once located the package that we want to uninstall, using the terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) we just have to execute the corresponding command, using the following format. You have to replace ‘package-name‘in the example by the actual name of the package to uninstall:

This will remove the application from our system, but keep the configuration files, plugins, and settings for future use. If we want remove the application completely from our system, we will also use the following command:

Uninstall Snap packages using terminal

We will also be able to remove the installed snap packages using the terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T). To start with, we can list them all executing the following command:

Once the package to be removed is located, in the same terminal we will only have use the following syntax:

We’ll just have to replace ‘package-name‘by the actual package name of the snap app.

Uninstall Flatpak applications using the terminal

If you have installed applications through flatpak, you will also be able to remove them using the terminal. First get the listflatpak packages installed running the following command in the terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T):

Once the flatpak application you want to uninstall is located, you just have to follow the syntax below to remove the application:

As in the previous options, you have to replace the ‘package-name‘by the name of the flatpak app.

Uninstall Packages Using Synaptic Package Manager

Once available, you just have to select the package we want to uninstall. Then right click on it and to select «Check to uninstall completely«. We will finish by clicking on «Apply”To remove the installed application.

With these small basic examples, anyone will be able to know what packages are installed on their Ubuntu and proceed to uninstall them.

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How can I uninstall software?

Seeing there are various ways to install on Ubuntu. What are the various ways to uninstall items?

Which ways always work? How can I be sure something was uninstalled?

11 Answers 11

If the application has been installed via the package manager, all you have to do is run

That should always work. If the terminal isn’t what stirs your tea, you could open System → Administration → Synaptic Package Manager, search for the package you want to remove, click on the checkbox next to it and select «mark for removal». Once you click «Apply», the package should be removed. There’s of course also the Ubuntu Software Center. It’s pretty much the same thing as Synaptic. Just search for the application name and click the «Remove» button.

Sometimes applications can be split up into multiple packages (for example, many games have a separate package for their music). To make sure that you uninstall all related packages AND configuration files, you can type

The software centre: find the package, click remove

Synaptic : the same

apt-get:

aptitude:

It’s important to note that when you install things, they often depend on other packages. When you fire off apt-get remove

it doesn’t remove the automatically-installed applications by default. This is often safer (if you’re temporarily removing something like ubuntu-desktop) but this can mean you end up with a load of cruft.

aptitude will automatically remove things (as well as having a nice interactive command line interface)

You can also search for cruft in synaptic using the «local or obsolete» filter under the status section.

Here’s a rundown of the possible ways:

If the package has been installed via a package manager, you can remove it with one of the tools provided with this purpose:

All these get the job done. You can start with the most user-friendly (Software Center) and continue to aptitude, if you need certain features or install or remove programs very frequently.

Note that these operations remove the bulk of the program while sometimes leaving «configuration files» in locations such aus /etc/apache2. Most software doesn’t have configuration files there; some server software («daemons») do. In all but a few cases, keeping these configuration files will do no harm. If you want to remove everything, including configuration files, then you can use the «purge» operation. For aptitude, the command line is «aptitude purge.» (Tommy’s explication above of «purge» is not accurate. The «remove» operation, just like «purge», deletes all dependencies that were pulled in with the original program.)

If the program tells you the package has been removed, you can be sure that the files are gone. Sometimes packages installed as a matter of dependency are not removed immediately. They will be eventually deleted, at a subsequent run.

How to Uninstall Applications from Ubuntu Linux

Don’t use a certain application anymore? Remove it.

In fact, removing programs is one of the easiest ways to free up disk space on Ubuntu and keep your system clean.

In this beginner’s tutorial, I’ll show you various ways of uninstalling software from Ubuntu.

Did I say various ways? Yes, because there are various ways of installing applications in Ubuntu and hence various ways of removing them. You’ll learn to:

Let’s see these steps one by one.

Method 1: Remove applications using Ubuntu Software Center

Start the Software Center application. You should find it in the dock on the left side or search for it in the menu.

You can see the installed applications in the Installed tab.

» data-medium-file=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/installed-apps-ubuntu-300×171.png» data-large-file=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/installed-apps-ubuntu-800×455.png» width=»800″ height=»455″ src=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/installed-apps-ubuntu-800×455.png» alt=»Installed Apps Ubuntu» data-lazy-srcset=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/installed-apps-ubuntu-800×455.png 800w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/installed-apps-ubuntu-300×171.png 300w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/installed-apps-ubuntu-768×437.png 768w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/installed-apps-ubuntu-100×57.png 100w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/installed-apps-ubuntu-150×85.png 150w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/installed-apps-ubuntu.png 995w» data-lazy-sizes=»(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px» data-lazy-src=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/installed-apps-ubuntu-800×455.png?is-pending-load=1″ srcset=»data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7″> List installed applications

If you don’t see a program here, try to use the search feature.

Search Installed Apps Ubuntu

» data-medium-file=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/search-installed-apps-ubuntu-300×171.png» data-large-file=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/search-installed-apps-ubuntu-800×455.png» width=»800″ height=»455″ src=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/search-installed-apps-ubuntu-800×455.png» alt=»Search Installed Apps Ubuntu» data-lazy-srcset=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/search-installed-apps-ubuntu-800×455.png 800w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/search-installed-apps-ubuntu-300×171.png 300w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/search-installed-apps-ubuntu-768×437.png 768w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/search-installed-apps-ubuntu-100×57.png 100w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/search-installed-apps-ubuntu-150×85.png 150w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/search-installed-apps-ubuntu.png 995w» data-lazy-sizes=»(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px» data-lazy-src=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/search-installed-apps-ubuntu-800×455.png?is-pending-load=1″ srcset=»data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7″> Search for installed applications

When you open an installed application, you should see the option to remove it. Click on it.

Remove Applications Ubuntu

» data-medium-file=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remove-applications-ubuntu-300×183.png» data-large-file=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remove-applications-ubuntu-800×487.png» width=»800″ height=»487″ src=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remove-applications-ubuntu-800×487.png» alt=»Remove Applications from Ubuntu» data-lazy-srcset=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remove-applications-ubuntu-800×487.png 800w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remove-applications-ubuntu-300×183.png 300w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remove-applications-ubuntu-768×468.png 768w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remove-applications-ubuntu-100×61.png 100w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remove-applications-ubuntu-150×91.png 150w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remove-applications-ubuntu.png 890w» data-lazy-sizes=»(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px» data-lazy-src=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remove-applications-ubuntu-800×487.png?is-pending-load=1″ srcset=»data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7″> Removing installed applications

It will ask for your account password. Enter it and the applications will be removed in seconds.

This method works pretty well except in the case when Software Center is misbehaving (it does that a lot) or if the program is a software library or some other command line utility. You can always resort to the terminal in such cases.

Method 2: Remove programs from Ubuntu using command line

All you need to do is to use the command in the following fashion:

You’ll be asked to enter your account password. When you enter it, nothing is visible on the screen. That’s normal. Just type it blindly and press enter.

The program won’t be removed immediately. You need to confirm it. When it asks for your conformation, press the enter key or Y key:

» data-medium-file=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/apt-remove-program-ubuntu-300×166.png» data-large-file=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/apt-remove-program-ubuntu.png» width=»768″ height=»424″ src=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/apt-remove-program-ubuntu.png» alt=»Apt Remove Program Ubuntu» data-lazy-srcset=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/apt-remove-program-ubuntu.png 768w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/apt-remove-program-ubuntu-300×166.png 300w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/apt-remove-program-ubuntu-100×55.png 100w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/apt-remove-program-ubuntu-150×83.png 150w» data-lazy-sizes=»(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px» data-lazy-src=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/apt-remove-program-ubuntu.png?is-pending-load=1″ srcset=»data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7″>

Keep in mind that you’ll have to use the exact package name in the apt remove command otherwise it will throw ‘unable to locate package error‘.

Don’t worry if you don’t remember the exact program name. You can utilize the super useful tab completion. It’s one of the most useful Linux command line tips that you must know.

What you can do is to type the first few letters of the program you want to uninstall. And then hit the tab key. It will show all the installed packages that match those letters at the beginning of their names.

When you see the desired package, you can type its complete name and remove it.

» data-medium-file=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remove-package-ubuntu-linux-300×166.png» data-large-file=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remove-package-ubuntu-linux.png» width=»768″ height=»424″ src=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remove-package-ubuntu-linux.png» alt=»Remove Package Ubuntu Linux» data-lazy-srcset=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remove-package-ubuntu-linux.png 768w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remove-package-ubuntu-linux-300×166.png 300w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remove-package-ubuntu-linux-100×55.png 100w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remove-package-ubuntu-linux-150×83.png 150w» data-lazy-sizes=»(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px» data-lazy-src=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remove-package-ubuntu-linux.png?is-pending-load=1″ srcset=»data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7″>

What if you do not know the exact package name or even the starting letters? Well, you can list all the installed packages in Ubuntu and grep with whatever your memory serves.

For example, the command below will show all the installed packages that have the string ‘my’ in its name anywhere, not just the beginning.

» data-medium-file=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/search-list-installed-apps-ubuntu-300×166.png» data-large-file=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/search-list-installed-apps-ubuntu.png» width=»768″ height=»424″ src=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/search-list-installed-apps-ubuntu.png» alt=»Search List Installed Apps Ubuntu» data-lazy-srcset=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/search-list-installed-apps-ubuntu.png 768w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/search-list-installed-apps-ubuntu-300×166.png 300w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/search-list-installed-apps-ubuntu-100×55.png 100w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/search-list-installed-apps-ubuntu-150×83.png 150w» data-lazy-sizes=»(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px» data-lazy-src=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/search-list-installed-apps-ubuntu.png?is-pending-load=1″ srcset=»data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7″>

That’s cool, isn’t it? Just be careful with the package name when using the remove command in Ubuntu.

Tip: Using apt purge for removing package (advanced users)

When you remove a package in Ubuntu, the packaged data is removed, but it may leave small, modified user configuration files. This is intentional because if you install the same program again, it would use those configuration files.

If you want to remove it completely, you can use apt purge command. You can use it instead of apt remove command or after running the apt remove command.

Keep in mind that the purge command won’t remove any data or configuration file stored in the home directory of a user.

Method 3: Uninstall Snap applications in Ubuntu

The previous method works with the DEB packages that you installed using apt command, software center or directly from the deb file.

Ubuntu also has a new packaging system called Snap. Most of the software you find in the Ubuntu Software Center are in this Snap package format.

You can remove these applications from the Ubuntu Software Center easily but if you want to use the command line, here’s what you should do.

List all the snap applications installed to get the package name.

» data-medium-file=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/list-snap-remove-300×152.png» data-large-file=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/list-snap-remove-800×407.png» width=»800″ height=»407″ src=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/list-snap-remove-800×407.png» alt=»List Snap Remove» data-lazy-srcset=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/list-snap-remove-800×407.png 800w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/list-snap-remove-300×152.png 300w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/list-snap-remove-768×390.png 768w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/list-snap-remove-100×51.png 100w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/list-snap-remove-150×76.png 150w, https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/list-snap-remove.png 984w» data-lazy-sizes=»(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px» data-lazy-src=»https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/list-snap-remove-800×407.png?is-pending-load=1″ srcset=»data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7″>

Now use the package name to remove the application from Ubuntu. You won’t be asked for confirmation before removal.

Bonus Tip: Clean up your system with one magical command

Alright! You learned to remove the applications. Now let me tell you about a simple command that cleans up leftover package traces like dependencies that are no longer used, old Linux kernel headers that won’t be used anymore.

In the terminal, just run this command:

This is a safe command, and it will easily free up a few hundred MB’s of disk space.

Conclusion

You learned three ways of removing applications from Ubuntu Linux. I covered both GUI and command line methods so that you are aware of all the options.

I hope you find this simple tutorial helpful as an Ubuntu beginner. Questions and suggestions are always welcome.

Creator of It’s FOSS. An ardent Linux user & open source promoter. Huge fan of classic detective mysteries ranging from Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes to Detective Columbo & Ellery Queen. Also a movie buff with a soft corner for film noir.

What is the correct way to completely remove an application?

I’ve searched the net for such information and found different command lines, like these ones:

So, what is the correct way? Is it necessary to use that «*»?

After that, I also found these commands:

9 Answers 9

apt-get remove packagename

Particularly useful when you want to ‘start all over’ with an application because you messed up the configuration. However, it does not remove configuration or data files residing in users home directories, usually in hidden folders there. There is no easy way to get those removed as well.

removes orphaned packages, i.e. installed packages that used to be installed as an dependency, but aren’t any longer. Use this after removing a package which had installed dependencies you’re no longer interested in.

aptitude remove packagename or aptitude purge packagename (likewise)

will also attempt to remove other packages which were required by packagename on but are not required by any remaining packages. Note that aptitude only remembers dependency information for packages that it has installed.

The list you found are just examples. Make sure you understand the meanings and try out what it wants to do before accepting the action (you need to press Y before it actually performs the actions as proposed).

The asterisk version in the question is probably wrong; apt-get accepts a regular expression and not a glob pattern as the shell. So what happens with

is the following:

Probably, the command that was meant is really

are completely outside the scope of the package management. Do not remove files belonging to packages without using the package manager! It will get confused and is the wrong way to do things.

If you don’t know to which package a file belongs, try this:

How To Install And Remove Software In Ubuntu [Complete Guide]

Brief: This detailed guide shows you various ways to install applications on Ubuntu Linux and it also demonstrates how to remove installed software from Ubuntu.

When you switch to Linux, the experience could be overwhelming at the start. Even basic things like installing applications on Ubuntu may seem confusing.

Don’t worry. Linux provides so many ways to do the same task that it’s only natural to feel lost, at least at the beginning. You are not alone. We’ve all been at that stage.

In this beginner’s guide, I’ll show you the most popular ways to install software in Ubuntu. I’ll also show you how to uninstall the software you install in Ubuntu.

I’ll also provide my recommendations about which methods you should be using for installing software on Ubuntu. Sit tight and pay attention. This is a long and detailed article, which will give you lots of helpful information.

How to install applications on Ubuntu and how to remove installed software

I’m using Ubuntu 16.04 with the Unity desktop environment in this guide. Apart from a couple of screenshots, this guide is applicable to all other flavors of Ubuntu.

1.1 Install software using Ubuntu Software Center [Recommended]

The easiest and most convenient way to find and install software in Ubuntu is by using the Ubuntu Software Center. On Ubuntu Unity, you can search for Ubuntu Software Center in Dash and click on it to open it:

You can think of the Ubuntu Software Center as like Google’s Play Store or Apple’s App Store. It showcases all the software available for your Ubuntu system. You can either search for an application by its name or just browse through various categories of software. You can also opt for the editor’s pick. It’s your choice.

Once you’ve found the application you’re looking for, simply click on it. This will open a page inside the Software Center with a description of the application. You can read the description, see its rating and also read reviews. You can also write your own review if you want.

Once you’re convinced that you want the application, you can click on the install button to install it. You’ll have to enter your password in order to install applications on Ubuntu.

Could it be any easier? I doubt it.

Tip: As I mentioned in the things to do after installing Ubuntu 16.04 article, you should enable the Canonical partner repository. By default, Ubuntu provides only software that comes from its own repository (verified by Ubuntu).

But there’s also a Canonical Partner repository, which is not directly controlled by Ubuntu and includes closed-source proprietary software. Enabling this repository gives you access to more software. Installing Skype on Ubuntu is achieved by this method.

In the Unity Dash, look for Software & Updates.

And in here, under the Other Software tab, check the options for Canonical Partners.

1.2 Remove software using Ubuntu Software Center [Recommended]

We just saw how to install software using the Ubuntu Software Center. How about removing software that you installed using this method?

Uninstalling software with the Ubuntu Software Center is as easy as the installation process.

Open the Software Center and click on the Installed tab. It will show you all the installed software. Alternatively, you can just search for the application by name.

To remove the application from Ubuntu, simply click on the Remove button. Again you’ll have to provide your password here.

Alternatively, you can use Synaptic Package Manager. It’s not usually the case, but it may happen that the installed application is not visible in the Ubuntu Software Center. Synaptic Package Manager lists all the software that is available for your system and all the software that’s already installed there. It’s a very powerful and very useful tool.

Before the Ubuntu Software Center came into existence to provide a more user-friendly approach to software installation, Synaptic was the default program for installing and uninstalling software on Ubuntu.

You can install Synaptic Package Manager by clicking on the link below (it will open the Ubuntu Software Center).

Open Synaptic Manager and then search for the software you want to uninstall. Installed software is marked with a green button. Click on it and select “mark for removal”. Once you do that, click on “apply” to remove the selected software.

3.1 Install software on Ubuntu using apt commands [recommended]

You might have noticed a number of websites giving you a command like “sudo apt-get install” to install software in Ubuntu.

This is actually the command-line equivalent of what we saw in section 1. Basically, instead of using the graphical interface of the Ubuntu Software Center, you’re using the command-line interface. Nothing else changes.

Using the apt-get command to install software is extremely easy. All you need to do is to use a command like:

Here sudo gives you “admin” or “root” (in Linux terminology) privileges. You can replace package_name with the name of the desired software.

apt-get commands have auto-completion, so if you type a few letters and hit tab, it will list all the programs that match those letters.

3.2 Remove software on Ubuntu using apt commands [recommended]

All you have to do is to use the following command – just replace package_name with the name of the software you want to delete.

Again, you can benefit from auto-completion by pressing the tab key.

Using apt-get commands is not rocket science. It’s actually very convenient. With these simple commands, you can get acquainted with the command-line part of Ubuntu Linux and it does help in the long run. I recommend reading my detailed guide on using apt-get commands to learn more about it.

4.1 Install applications on Ubuntu using a PPA

PPA stands for Personal Package Archive. It’s another method that developers use for providing their software to Ubuntu users.

In section 1, you came across the term “repository”. A repository basically contains a collection of software. Ubuntu’s official repository has programs that are approved by Ubuntu. The Canonical partner repository contains software from partnered vendors.

In the same way, a PPA enables a developer to create their own APT repository. When an end user (i.e. you) adds this repository to the system (sources.list is modified with this entry), software provided by the developer in his/her repository becomes available for the user.

Now you may ask what the need of PPAs is when we already have the official Ubuntu repository?

The answer is that not all software automatically gets added to Ubuntu’s official repository. Only trusted software makes it onto that list. Imagine that you’ve developed a cool Linux application and you want to provide regular updates to your users, but it will take months before it can be added to Ubuntu’s repository (and it may not be added at all). A PPA comes in handy in those cases.

In addition to that, Ubuntu’s official repository often doesn’t include the latest version of a program. This is done to secure the stability of the Ubuntu system. A brand new software version might have a regression that could impact the system. This is why it takes some time before a new version makes it to the official repository – sometimes months.

But what if you don’t want to wait till the latest version comes to Ubuntu’s official repository? This is where a PPA can save the day. By using the PPA, you’ll get the newer version.

Typically PPAs are used with three commands. The first adds the PPA repository to the sources list. The second updates the cache of your software list to make your system aware of the new software available. And the third installs the software from the PPA.

I’ll show you an example by using the Numix theme PPA:

In the above example, we added a PPA provided by the Numix project. And after updating the software information, we added two programs available in the Numix PPA.

If you want a GUI application, you can use the Y-PPA application. It lets you search for PPAs and add and remove software in a better way.

Tip: The security of PPAs has often been debated. My advice is that you should add PPAs from a trusted source, preferably the official sources.

4.2 Remove applications installed using a PPA

I’ve discussed removing PPAs from Ubuntu in detail before. You should refer to that article to get more insights into handling PPA removal.

To quickly explain it here, you can use the following two commands.

The first command removes the software installed via the PPA. The second command removes the PPA from sources.list.

5.1 Installing software using source code on Ubuntu Linux [Not recommended]

Installing software using the source code is not something I would recommend to you. It’s tedious, troublesome and not very convenient. You’ll have to fight your way through dependencies and whatnot. You’ll have to keep the source code files on your system, else you won’t be able to uninstall the software later.

But building from the source code is still some people’s preferred method, even if they don’t develop software of their own. To tell the truth, the last time I used source code extensively was 5 years ago when I was an intern and I had to develop a program using Ubuntu. I’ve come to prefer other ways to install applications on Ubuntu since then. For normal desktop Linux users, installing from source code should be avoided.

I’ll be brief in this section and just list the steps for installing software from source code:

Do note that some software provides you with an install script and just running that file will install the software for you. But you won’t be that lucky most of the time.

I recommend reading this detailed article on using source code in Ubuntu if you insist on using source code.

5.2 Removing software installed using source code [Not recommended]

If you thought installing software from source code was difficult, think again. Removing the software installed using source code could be an even bigger pain.

Normally, you should be able to uninstall the program by going to its extracted directory and using this command:

But this is not a guarantee that you’ll have this method all the time.

You see, there are lots of ifs and buts attached to source code and not that many advantages. This is why I don’t recommend using source code to install software on Ubuntu.

A few more ways to install applications in Ubuntu

There are a few more (not so popular) ways you can install software on Ubuntu. Since this article is already way too long, I won’t cover them here. I’ll just list them below:

How do you install applications on Ubuntu?

If you already use Ubuntu, what’s your favorite way to install software on Ubuntu Linux? Did you find this guide useful? Do share your views, suggestions and questions.

Creator of It’s FOSS. An ardent Linux user & open source promoter. Huge fan of classic detective mysteries ranging from Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes to Detective Columbo & Ellery Queen. Also a movie buff with a soft corner for film noir.