How to Uninstall Software Using the Command Line in Linux

If you’re a Linux user, you’ve probably realized by now that doing things through the command line can be much faster and sometimes more efficient than using a graphical interface. Uninstalling software is no exception. In this article, we will explore various methods of uninstalling software using the command line across different Linux distributions.

Understanding Package Managers

Before diving into uninstalling software, it’s essential to understand what package managers are. A package manager is a collection of tools that automate the process of installing, upgrading, configuring, and removing software packages. Various Linux distributions employ different package managers to manage software installations and removals.

APT (Advanced Package Tool) – Primarily used by Debian and Ubuntu-based distributions.
DNF (Dandified YUM) – Typically used in Fedora, CentOS, and RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux).
YUM (Yellowdog Updater, Modified) – An older package manager, also used in CentOS and RHEL.
Zypper – The package manager for openSUSE.
Pacman – The package manager employed by Arch Linux and its derivatives.
Snap – A universal package manager that works across different distributions.

General Syntax of Uninstalling Software

The commands you’ll use for uninstalling software vary depending on the distribution and the package manager. However, the general syntax typically resembles:

package-manager remove package-name

Now let’s understand how to uninstall software using the command line with specific examples from various package managers.

Uninstalling Software Using APT

If you’re on a Debian-based distribution like Ubuntu, the APT package manager will come into play.

Step 1: Open Terminal

You can usually find the terminal in your applications menu or you can use the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T.

Step 2: Update Package Index

It’s good practice to update your package index. Run the following command:

sudo apt update

Step 3: Uninstall Software

To uninstall software, use the following command:

sudo apt remove package-name

For instance, to uninstall git, you would run:

sudo apt remove git

This command will remove the package but keep its configuration files. If you want to remove configuration files as well, you can use:

sudo apt purge package-name

Step 4: Clean Up

Once you’ve removed the package, it’s a good idea to clean up:

sudo apt autoremove

This command removes any unused dependencies that were installed with the removed package.

Uninstalling Software Using DNF

For Fedora and RHEL-based distributions like CentOS, the DNF package manager is your go-to tool.

Step 1: Open Terminal

Open the terminal using your preferred method.

Step 2: Uninstall Software

To remove a package with DNF, use the following command:

sudo dnf remove package-name

For example, to uninstall httpd (Apache web server), you would run:

sudo dnf remove httpd

Step 3: Clean Up

Similar to APT, you may want to clear any cached data with:

sudo dnf autoremove

Uninstalling Software Using YUM

Although YUM is gradually being replaced by DNF, many legacy systems still use it.

Step 1: Open Terminal

Launch your terminal.

Step 2: Uninstall Software

Use the following command to remove a package:

sudo yum remove package-name

For example, to uninstall nano, you would run:

sudo yum remove nano

Uninstalling Software Using Zypper

For those using openSUSE, the zypper command is the package manager you’ll be using.

Step 1: Open Terminal

Open your terminal as usual.

Step 2: Uninstall Software

Execute the command:

sudo zypper remove package-name

For instance, to uninstall vlc, use:

sudo zypper remove vlc

Uninstalling Software Using Pacman

If you are on an Arch-based distribution, such as Arch Linux or Manjaro, you’ll work with pacman.

Step 1: Open Terminal

Access your terminal application.

Step 2: Uninstall Software

To remove a package, use:

sudo pacman -R package-name

For example, to uninstall firefox, the command would be:

sudo pacman -R firefox

Step 3: Clean Up

If you wish to also remove unused dependencies, you can run:

sudo pacman -Rns package-name

Uninstalling Software Using Snap

Snap packages are universal and can be uninstalled across any distribution that supports Snap.

Step 1: Open Terminal

As always, open your terminal.

Step 2: Uninstall Software

Use the command:

sudo snap remove package-name

For instance, to uninstall slack, run:

sudo snap remove slack

Uninstalling Software Using Flatpak

Like Snap, Flatpak is another universal package manager that works well across distributions.

Step 1: Open Terminal

Open your terminal.

Step 2: Uninstall Software

Utilize the following command:

flatpak uninstall package-name

To uninstall org.videolan.VLC, the command would be:

flatpak uninstall org.videolan.VLC

Confirming Uninstallation

Regardless of which package manager or method you utilized, confirming the successful uninstallation is essential.

Check If the Package Is Still Installed

You can verify if the software has been uninstalled by trying to call it:

package-name --version

If the package has been successfully uninstalled, you should see a message indicating that the command was not found.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Dependency Issues: Sometimes, other packages depend on the software you’re trying to uninstall. In such cases, the command will notify you about the dependencies. Decide whether to remove them or keep them based on your requirements.
Permission Denied: Ensure you’re using sudo for commands requiring elevated privileges.
Command Not Found: Make sure you have spelled the package name correctly.

Conclusion

Uninstalling software using the command line in Linux can seem daunting at first, but it’s quite straightforward once you’re familiar with the commands of your particular package manager. Each package manager has a specific syntax and options that facilitate smooth software management, including uninstallation.

As Linux continues to grow, mastering these command-line skills will not only enhance your efficiency but will also deepen your understanding of how software is packaged and managed in a Unix-like system. Whether you’re troubleshooting, cleaning up your installation, or simply trying to maintain an organized system, using the command line for uninstallations will serve you well on your Linux journey.