Introduction to AUR
Arch User Repository (AUR) is one of the hallmark features of Arch Linux. It is a community-driven repository that hosts user-created installation packages for the Arch Linux operating system.
AUR is designed to provide a vast collection of software that goes beyond the official Arch Linux repositories, allowing users to customize their Linux distribution to their taste. In this article, we will explore the purpose and function of AUR and how to use it in Arch Linux.
Function of AUR
The key function of AUR is to provide a platform where Arch Linux users can find and install software that is not available in the official Arch Linux repositories. AUR hosts package source files called PKGBuilds, which are used to compile and package the software.
Users can download these PKGBuilds and use the makepkg command to build and install the package manually. AUR provides thousands of packages, ranging from popular applications such as Spotify, Google Chrome, and Visual Studio Code to obscure ones that cater to a specific audience or use case.
The vast collection of packages available on AUR is one of the major selling points of Arch Linux, as it allows users to build a highly-customized and personalized Linux distribution.
Using AUR in Arch Linux
Before using AUR in Arch Linux, there are a few prerequisites that need to be met. The first is Git, a version control system used to download PKGBuilds from AUR.
Base-devel, a group of packages containing essential tools for building packages, is also required. These packages include make, gcc, and other compilers.
Lastly, the user must clone the repository containing the PKGBuilds. AUR can be installed in two ways: using an AUR helper or manually.
AUR helpers are command-line tools that automate the process of downloading PKGBuilds, building them, and installing them on the system. Some popular AUR helpers include auracle-git, aurutils, trizen, yay, and pacaur.
Installing an AUR helper is the easiest way to use AUR, as it simplifies the process and reduces the likelihood of errors. Manually installing packages from AUR is also an option, albeit a more complicated one.
Before installing a package manually, it is essential to check the dependencies required by the package. Dependencies are other packages that must be installed before the target package can be built and installed.
Users must also check the popularity of the package, license, and date of the latest update to ensure that it is still maintained.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AUR is an essential feature of Arch Linux that provides users with a vast collection of software, allowing them to customize their operating system to their preferences. AUR functions by hosting user-created packages files called PKGBuilds, which users can download and build manually.
To use AUR in Arch Linux, users must meet some prerequisites, and they can install it either automatically using an AUR helper tool or manually, which requires more work. AUR is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance the functionality and versatility of Arch Linux, and every Arch Linux user should give it a try.
Benefits of Using AUR
One of the most significant benefits of using AUR is that it makes the installation of software on Arch Linux easy. With AUR, users do not need to compile and install every package manually.
Instead, they can quickly download the PKGBuild files and use the makepkg command to build the package automatically. This reduces the time needed to install software on Arch Linux significantly.
Additionally, AUR provides updated packages for software that may not be available in the official Arch Linux repositories. This is incredibly useful for users who use programs that require the latest updates to function correctly.
For example, some proprietary software, such as Adobe Acrobat, does not update frequently on the official Arch Linux repositories. However, using AUR, it is easy to find the latest version and install it with a few simple commands.
Another benefit of using AUR is that it allows users to contribute to the Arch Linux community by creating PKGBuild files for software that they create or use. The Arch Linux community is highly active and supportive, and contributing in this way can help users improve their skills and knowledge of Linux.
Deciding Whether to Use AUR Helper or Not
Using an AUR helper tool is the easiest way to use AUR and can save users a lot of time when installing and updating packages. AUR helpers download the PKGBuild files, build packages, and handle dependencies automatically.
This process greatly simplifies the installation process and reduces the likelihood of errors. However, there are some factors to consider when deciding whether to use an AUR helper or not.
One factor to consider is the safety and trustworthiness of AUR helpers. Because AUR is a community-driven repository, anyone can create an AUR helper tool.
While most AUR helpers are safe to use, some may contain malicious code that can harm users’ systems. Therefore, it is essential to do some research and ensure that the AUR helper you choose is trustworthy.
Another factor to consider is whether an AUR helper is necessary based on your skill level as a Linux user. Experienced users may prefer to install and update packages manually, using the makepkg command.
This approach can provide more control over the installation process, greater knowledge of how software is installed and managed, and better understanding of package dependencies.
Trusted Users
AUR also has an optional
Trusted Users system, which provides an added layer of security and trustworthiness to the packages available on AUR.
Trusted Users are experienced Arch Linux users who maintain and package software for AUR.
They ensure that packages are safe, meet the guidelines set by the Arch Linux community, and are updated regularly. Using packages that have been maintained by
Trusted Users can reduce the likelihood of errors or malicious code.
In conclusion, AUR is a powerful tool that provides Arch Linux users with a vast collection of software and customization options. Using an AUR helper tool can make the installation process much more straightforward, while installing packages manually provides users with greater control and understanding of how software works on their system.
Additionally, using Trusted User maintained packages can reduce the likelihood of errors or security concerns. Ultimately, the choice to use AUR or not depends on your skill level and comfort with Arch Linux, making it an incredibly versatile and flexible tool.
In summary, AUR is a community-driven repository that provides Arch Linux users with a vast collection of software and customization options. By hosting user-created packages files called PKGBuilds, AUR simplifies and streamlines the installation of software on Arch Linux, and provides updated packages for less frequently updated software.
Whether to use an AUR helper or not depends on the user’s skill level and comfort with Arch Linux, and using Trusted User maintained packages can add an extra layer of security and safety to the installation process. Overall, AUR is an incredibly versatile and powerful tool that can significantly enhance the functionality and versatility of Arch Linux, and every Arch Linux user should give it a try.