Apt-mark Hold

5 min read Oct 06, 2024

apt-mark hold: A Powerful Tool for Managing Package Updates

Have you ever encountered a situation where you wanted to keep a specific package at its current version while allowing other packages to receive updates? This is where apt-mark hold comes into play. This handy command provides a robust mechanism for freezing package updates, ensuring stability and preventing unexpected behavior.

Why Use apt-mark hold?

Let's delve into the scenarios where apt-mark hold proves invaluable:

Critical Packages: Imagine a scenario where you have a crucial application relying heavily on a specific version of a package. Updating this package might break the application's functionality. apt-mark hold allows you to freeze this package, ensuring that it remains at its current version while other updates are applied.
System Stability: Sometimes, updating a package can introduce bugs or instability to your system. apt-mark hold can be a lifesaver by preventing these updates, allowing you to carefully analyze the situation and resolve any issues before updating.
Customization: Do you have specific customizations for a package that are incompatible with newer versions? apt-mark hold provides a simple way to ensure that your customizations remain intact by preventing package updates that might overwrite them.

How to Use apt-mark hold

Using apt-mark hold is straightforward. Here's a breakdown:

Identifying the Package: Start by pinpointing the package you want to freeze. You can use the apt-cache search command to locate it. For instance:
```
apt-cache search package-name
```
Applying the Hold: Once you've identified the package, execute the following command:
```
sudo apt-mark hold package-name
```
Verifying the Hold: To confirm that the hold is applied, you can use the following command:
```
sudo apt-mark showhold
```
This command will display a list of packages currently marked as hold.

Releasing a Hold

When you're ready to update the package again, you can release the hold using the following command:

sudo apt-mark unhold package-name

Advanced Usage

apt-mark hold provides additional options to fine-tune its functionality:

apt-mark hold --auto: This option automatically holds all packages marked as auto in the /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/01auto-upgrades file. This is useful for preventing updates for specific packages, such as those belonging to a particular application.
apt-mark hold --manual: Similar to --auto, this option holds packages marked as manual in the configuration file.
apt-mark hold --reinstall: This option prevents updates that would cause a package to be reinstalled.

Considerations

While apt-mark hold is a valuable tool, it's crucial to use it responsibly. Overusing it can lead to a system lagging behind in security patches and bug fixes.
Remember to periodically check for updates for the packages you've held. Newer versions might contain important bug fixes or security enhancements.

Conclusion

apt-mark hold is an indispensable command for effectively managing package updates. It empowers you to maintain stability, protect crucial applications, and customize your system according to your needs. By understanding the power of apt-mark hold, you gain greater control over your system's update process, ensuring smooth and reliable operation.