Linux package formats are the different file formats used to package software for various GNU/Linux distributions. There are three principal kinds of package: A software package is a bundle of one or several files that either are necessary for the distribution and installation of a computer program, or which will upgrade and install additional features for an existing program already installed on a computer. ... A Linux distribution often simply distribution or distro is a version of a Unix-like operating system comprised of the Linux kernel, all or part of the GNU operating system, and assorted other software. ...

• Binary packages
• Source packages
• Recipe packages

Examples

• deb — Debian package, originally from Debian. Used by Debian derivatives like Knoppix and Ubuntu
• ebuild — the file containing information on how to retrieve, compile, and install a package in Gentoo's Portage system using the command emerge. Typically these are source-primary installs, though binary packages can be installed in this fashion as well. Gentoo based distributions also use the ebuild system from the same Portage tree.
• klik — klik aims to provide an easy way of getting software packages for most major distributions without the dependency problems so common in many other package formats.
• recipe — the file containing information on how to download, unpack, compile and install a package in Gobo Linux distribution using its Compile tool. This system is similar to the Gentoo's Portage, but is more simplistic in design.
• RPM — RPM Package Manager, originally from Red Hat, is now used by many other distributors as well
• src — building the packages from source (often binary packages are provided in parallel on many systems).^{[citation needed]}
• tgz or tar.gz — standard tar + gzip, possibly with some extra control files — used by Slackware and others, or sometimes when distributing very simple handmade packages.
• CNR stands for "click and run". It is a FREE software delivery service designed for Linspire users that makes it easy to install Linux software.
• Autopackage makes software installation on Linux easier. Autopackage let you install applications on any distribution, can automatically resolve dependencies but is not meant to replace rpm packages
• PET — PET is the package and dependency management system (beginning with version 2.14)for the small, fastPuppy Linux. PET packages are installed with the PETget Package Manager in a way similar to CNR.

deb is the extension of the Debian software package format and the most often used name for such binary packages. ... Debian, organized by the Debian Project, is a widely used distribution of free software developed through the collaboration of volunteers from around the world. ... Knoppix, also spelled as KNOPPIX, is a computer operating system which can be used as a live CD. It is a Debian based Linux distribution, developed by Linux consultant Klaus Knopper. ... Ubuntu (IPA pronunciation: ) is a widely used Linux distribution predominantly targeted at personal computers. ... An Ebuild is a bash script written for the Portage system of Gentoo Linux. ... The Gentoo Linux operating system (pronounced ) is a Linux distribution named after the Gentoo penguin. ... Portage is an advanced package management system. ... Look up Emerge in Gentoo-wiki, the wiki about the Gentoo Linux distribution. ... The correct title of this article is klik. ... An example recipe, printed from the Wikibooks Cookbook. ... The Gentoo Linux operating system (pronounced ) is a Linux distribution named after the Gentoo penguin. ... Portage is an advanced package management system. ... The RPM Logo RPM Package Manager (originally Red Hat Package Manager, abbreviated RPM) is a package management system. ... Red Hat, Inc. ... In computing, the tar file format is a type of archive file format: the Tape ARchive format. ... In computing, the tar file format is a type of archive file format: the Tape ARchive format. ... gzip is short for GNU zip, a GNU free software replacement for the Unix compress program. ... Slackware was one of the earliest Linux distributions, and is the oldest distribution still being maintained. ... Autopackage is a relatively new package management system for GNU/Linux, intended to be usable under all distributions. ... Puppy Linux is a LiveCD Linux distribution started by Barry Kauler. ...

See also

• Package management system