Managing installed software is a key part of maintaining a clean and efficient Ubuntu system. One of the most effective ways to do this is using the Remove APT Command-Line Tool, a reliable method that allows users to uninstall applications, clear dependencies, and even purge configuration files—all from the terminal. This article will provide a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to using the remove apt command-line tool and related commands, helping you optimize your Ubuntu system's performance and storage.

 

 

What Is the APT Command-Line Tool and How Does Apt Remove Package and Dependencies?

APT, short for Advanced Packaging Tool, is a versatile command-line utility designed for managing software on Debian-based Linux distributions like Ubuntu. It serves as the primary interface for handling packages—helping users install, update, upgrade, and most importantly, remove software efficiently. Whether you're maintaining a personal computer or a VPS instance like those offered by 1Gbits, APT is your go-to solution for managing applications and libraries.

One of its most essential capabilities is the ability to remove packages and their dependencies cleanly from your system. This is where "apt remove package and dependencies" commands come into play. These commands ensure that not only the targeted application is uninstalled, but also any related libraries or tools that are no longer needed. This is crucial for keeping your Linux system lightweight, clutter-free, and optimized for performance.

Moreover, when you're using the remove APT command-line tool, you're doing more than just deleting software—you’re improving system hygiene, reducing security vulnerabilities, and freeing up valuable disk space. This is especially beneficial in environments where resources are limited, such as virtual private servers or embedded systems.

 

 

Why Use the Remove APT Command-Line Tool?

There are multiple reasons for using apt to uninstall packages:

  • Free up disk space

  • Improve system performance

  • Remove obsolete or broken software

  • Maintain a clean software environment

  • Troubleshoot issues caused by conflicting packages

For those managing VPS environments or lightweight Linux systems, such as those hosted by 1Gbits, keeping your system clean is even more critical.

Read more: Complete guide on using apt get command

 

 

Using the Remove APT Command Line Tool Ubuntu

1. Using sudo apt remove

The most direct way to uninstall a package in Ubuntu is by using the Remove APT Command-Line Tool:

sudo apt remove <package-name>

For example, to uninstall VLC media player:

sudo apt remove vlc

This will remove the main package but leave behind the configuration files. It’s a safer option when you might want to reinstall the app later.

 

 

2. Using apt remove with Multiple Packages

You can uninstall more than one package at once:

sudo apt remove package1 package2

For example:

sudo apt remove vlc gimp

 

 

3. Using apt remove --purge for a Clean Uninstall

To completely remove a package and its configuration files, use the purge variant:

sudo apt remove --purge <package-name>

This command is ideal if you don't intend to reinstall the package and want to remove all traces from the system.

 

 

4. Apt Remove vs Purge: What’s the Difference?

  • apt remove deletes the application but keeps configuration files.

  • apt remove --purge deletes the application and its config files.

If you're troubleshooting a misbehaving application, apt remove --purge is usually the better option.

 

 

5. How to Use 'apt autoremove' to Remove Them

When you uninstall packages, their dependencies may remain in the system. To remove unused dependencies, run:

sudo apt autoremove

This command cleans up orphaned libraries and unused packages, helping you reclaim disk space.

 

 

6. Using apt-get clean for Cleanup

APT stores downloaded .deb package files in a local cache. If you’re low on disk space, clear it with:

sudo apt-get clean

This doesn’t remove installed packages—it simply clears out the local package cache, which can grow significantly over time.

 

 

How to Uninstall Software Using apt-get

Although apt is more modern, apt-get is still widely used. To uninstall apt-get packages, the syntax remains largely the same:

sudo apt-get remove <package-name>

sudo apt-get purge <package-name>

sudo apt-get autoremove

These commands work similarly to their apt counterparts.

 

 

How to Remove APT Packages and Dependencies in Bulk

To remove multiple packages and their dependencies together:

sudo apt remove package1 package2 && sudo apt autoremove

Or, if you want to purge them:

sudo apt remove --purge package1 package2 && sudo apt autoremove

 

 

Ubuntu APT Remove Repository Command Line

To uninstall software tied to a PPA (Personal Package Archive), follow these steps:

Step 1: List All Installed Repositories

sudo apt-add-repository --list

 

Step 2: Remove the Repository

sudo apt-add-repository -r ppa:<repository-name>

 

Step 3: Update Package List

sudo apt-get update

 

Step 4: Remove Associated Packages

sudo apt remove <package-name>

This process is essential when a PPA causes system instability or package conflicts.

 

 

Clean apt-get and Configuration Files

Sometimes, purging isn’t enough. To manually remove leftover config files:

Use dpkg to Purge Configuration:

sudo dpkg --purge <package-name>

 

Remove Residual Config Files in Home Directory:

You can manually delete them using:

rm -rf ~/.config/<package-name>

 

Note: Use this command with caution to avoid deleting important user data.

Also Read: Fix “apt command not found” Error on Linux

 

 

Find and Verify Installed Software

List All Installed Packages

apt list --installed

 

Search for a Specific Package

dpkg --list | grep <package-name>

 

Or:

CopyEditapt search <package-name>

 

Verify a Package is Removed

After uninstalling, confirm removal using:

dpkg -l | grep <package-name>

If there is no output, the package has been successfully removed.

 

 

Remove Using apt-get Safely on VPS

When you're managing a server with limited resources—such as a VPS hosted by 1Gbits—system efficiency becomes a top priority. Unused or outdated packages not only consume valuable disk space but can also pose potential security risks and degrade overall system performance.

Using the apt-get tool to remove unnecessary packages is a safe and effective way to streamline your VPS environment. By routinely cleaning up your package ecosystem, you can:

  • Reduce the system's attack surface, making it less vulnerable to security threats

  • Lower memory and disk usage, freeing up resources for essential services

  • Enhance system reliability, reducing conflicts from outdated or orphaned packages

To maintain a clean and healthy system, consider running this routine set of commands:

sudo apt-get update        # Refresh the package list from all repositories  

sudo apt-get upgrade       # Upgrade all upgradable packages  

sudo apt-get autoremove    # Automatically remove unused packages and dependencies  

sudo apt-get clean         # Delete cached package files to free up disk space  

 

By following this process regularly, you ensure your VPS stays optimized, secure, and ready for any workloads you throw at it.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Using the Remove APT Command-Line Tool is one of the most efficient ways to manage applications on Ubuntu and Debian-based systems. From simple removal to purging and autoremove operations, the apt and apt-get commands offer robust functionality for system maintenance.

Whether you’re a developer, system administrator, or searching for Linux VPS Hosting at 1Gbits, mastering these commands helps keep your system lean, fast, and reliable. Regular cleanup and management of packages are essential for maintaining an optimal Linux environment.

Let your terminal do the heavy lifting—one command at a time.