Editing Package manager (section)

{{Short description|Software tools for handling softwares packages}}
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[[File:Synaptic screenshot.png|thumb|
  [[Synaptic (software)|Synaptic]],
  an example of a [[Graphical user interface|GUI]] for the [[APT (software)|APT]] package manager
]]

A '''package manager''' or '''package management system''' is a collection of [[programming tool|software tools]] that automates the process of installing, upgrading, configuring, and removing [[computer program]]s for a [[computer]] in a consistent manner.<ref>{{cite web|title=What is a package manager?|url=https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/aptitude/pr01s02.en.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017151526/http://aptitude.alioth.debian.org/doc/en/pr01s02.html|archive-date=17 October 2017|access-date=19 December 2018}}</ref>

A package manager deals with [[package format|''packages'']], distributions of software and data in [[archive file]]s. Packages contain [[metadata]], such as the software's name, description of its purpose, version number, vendor, [[checksum]] (preferably a [[cryptographic hash function]]), and a list of [[coupling (computer programming)|dependencies]] necessary for the software to run properly. Upon installation, metadata is stored in a local package [[database]]. Package managers typically maintain a database of software dependencies and version information to prevent software mismatches and missing prerequisites. They work closely with [[software repository|software repositories]], [[binary repository manager]]s, and [[app store]]s.

Package managers are designed to eliminate the need for manual installs and updates. This can be particularly useful for large enterprises whose operating systems typically consist of hundreds or even tens of thousands of distinct software packages.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://software.dell.com/products/kace-k1000-systems-management-appliance/software-distribution.aspx |title=Software Distribution |access-date=2012-07-11 |publisher=Dell KACE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003031633/http://software.dell.com/products/kace-k1000-systems-management-appliance/software-distribution.aspx |archive-date=3 October 2015}}</ref>