How to Install Software in Linux (APT vs DNF Explained)

Installing software in Linux is very different from Windows or macOS. Instead of downloading installers from websites, Linux uses package managers to install, update, and remove software safely and efficiently.

In this guide, you will learn how to install software using the two most common systems: APT (Debian-based) and DNF (Red Hat-based).

What Is a Package Manager?

A package manager is a tool that installs and manages software from trusted repositories. It handles dependencies automatically and keeps your system updated.

👉 Think of it as an app store for Linux — but controlled entirely from the command line.

APT (Debian / Ubuntu Systems)

APT is used on systems like Ubuntu, Debian, and Linux Mint.

Update Package List

sudo apt update

This refreshes the list of available software.

Install Software

sudo apt install nginx -y

Installs the NGINX web server.

Remove Software

sudo apt remove nginx -y

Upgrade System

sudo apt upgrade -y

DNF (Red Hat / Fedora Systems)

DNF is used on Fedora, Rocky Linux, and Red Hat systems.

Check for Updates

sudo dnf check-update

Install Software

sudo dnf install nginx -y

Remove Software

sudo dnf remove nginx -y

Upgrade System

sudo dnf upgrade -y

APT vs DNF: Key Differences

• APT is used in Debian-based systems
• DNF is used in Red Hat-based systems
• Commands are similar but not identical
• Both install software from repositories

Why This Matters

Every Linux server depends on package management.

When you install:

• Web servers (NGINX, Apache)
• Databases (MySQL, MariaDB)
• Programming tools (PHP, Python)

You are using these commands.

Practice This Now

sudo apt update
sudo apt install nginx -y
systemctl status nginx

If you're using a Red Hat-based system:

sudo dnf install nginx -y
systemctl status nginx

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting sudo
• Not updating before installing
• Using apt on a Red Hat system (or vice versa)

What Comes Next

Now that you can install software, you're ready for the next big step:

👉 Setting up a web server.

This leads directly into:

• Installing NGINX
• Installing Apache (LAMP stack)
• Hosting websites

Final Thoughts

Learning package managers is one of the most important Linux skills.

Once you master this, you unlock the ability to build real systems.

👉 Practice installing software in a live Linux lab now