When Should I Use the Terminal vs. Browser to Install Software on Linux Mint?
Asked by
CuriousCoder92
I'm using Linux Mint and I'm trying to figure out the best approach for installing software like CLion. I've heard it's usually better to use the software manager or terminal for installations, but I noticed that CLion can't be directly downloaded from there. I understand that I can download a Linux installer from their website, but how common is this practice overall? Should I prioritize using the software manager or terminal first, or is it okay to search online for installers?
Answers
The terminal and the software store basically do the same thing; the store just shows apps, while other types of software might need terminal installation. Only go for downloading from a website if the program isn't available through other options, as you won't get automatic updates that way. Check if the developers provide a repository for easier updates.
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The software manager is a great starting point for searching programs since it lists the official packages for your distribution. You can also install those packages using the terminal, as the manager just provides a user-friendly interface for the same actions. If a program isn't available there, like Google Chrome or MS Edge, then you'll need to download it from the official site and install it from there.
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It's pretty common for software to not be found in the repositories, requiring you to download packages as source code, AppImages, binaries, or installer scripts. It really depends on how much you trust the software provider. If you're looking at CLion, it has a good reputation, so it should be safe to use. Just follow the download instructions, which usually say to create a folder for it, run the installer, and add it to your path manually.
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You'll generally just follow the instructions on the software's website. Most often, these will include terminal commands that are easy to copy-paste. Unlike browsing, where you can't easily copy navigation steps, terminal commands make installation straightforward. For instance, installing CLion may involve commands like `sudo apt install -y clion` if it's in the repositories.
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