Package Management
Managing packages with Lunar's source-based package management system
Package management is the system for installing, removing, and updating software packages. It's a key component of any operating system, and Lunar Linux's approach is unique among Linux distributions.
What Makes Lunar Different
Lunar Linux's package management system is distinctive because all applications are compiled directly from source code, rather than installed from pre-compiled binaries. This approach offers several advantages:
- Optimization: Software is compiled specifically for your hardware
- Customization: Choose exactly which features to include or exclude
- Transparency: See exactly what's being installed
- Flexibility: Easy to modify or patch packages
- Currency: Access to latest upstream sources
Package Management Tools
Lunar provides two mutually exclusive package management implementations:
lunar (Stable)
The stable, production-ready package management system. This is what most users should run.
lin package-name # Install a package
lunar update # Update all installed packages
lunar renew package-name # Rebuild a package
theedge (Development)
The development branch containing experimental features and improvements. Use this only if you want to help test new functionality or need bleeding-edge features.
lin theedge # Switch to development branch
Important: lunar and theedge are mutually exclusive. Installing one removes the other.
Core Components
lin - Package Installation Tool
The primary command for installing packages. See lin Basics for detailed usage.
Moonbase - Package Repository
The moonbase is Lunar's package repository, containing module definitions for thousands of software packages. See Moonbase Overview for more information.
Modules
In Lunar, a "module" is a package definition containing:
- Source download locations
- Build instructions
- Dependency information
- Configuration options
Comparison to Other Systems
If you're familiar with other package managers:
| System | Lunar Equivalent | Type |
|---|---|---|
| apt-get / dpkg (Debian) | lin / lunar | Binary → Source |
| yum / rpm (Red Hat) | lin / lunar | Binary → Source |
| emerge / portage (Gentoo) | lin / lunar | Source-based |
| pacman (Arch) | lin / lunar | Binary → Source |
Lunar is most similar to Gentoo's Portage but with a different philosophy and implementation.
Getting Started
For new users, start with these guides:
- lin Basics - Learn the fundamental commands
- Moonbase Overview - Understand the package repository
- Build Times - Plan your compilation workflow