Pamac is Manjaro’s Package Manager. It enables users to search for and install applications on their computer with easy-to-follow steps. Users can also browse for new applications, check for updates, and uninstall unwanted packages.
Pamac is based on libalpm with AUR and Appstream support. It’s focuses on providing an easy to use interface while still providing a powerful set of features. The latest v10 comes with a new software-mode, speed improvements, optimized DB interaction and uses systemd dynamic users to build as root your AUR packages.
Installing Pamac
Pamac is pre-installed on many Manjaro Editions but if your system does not have it can be easily installed. Pamac comes in several different packages:
- pamac-gtk – The GTK version of pamac. Includes a tray icon for many desktops.
- pamac-qt – The Qt version of pamac. Experimental.
- pamac-cli – The command line version of pamac.
- pamac-tray-appindicator – A tray icon for KDE plasma
These packages can be installed using pacman. For example, to install the GTK version, you can use the command:
sudo pacman -Syu pamac-gtkBoth the GTK and Qt Pamac packages will automatically install the CLI version as well.
What is new in Pamac 10
First of all, the graphical interface got completely overhauled. The menu at the left got replaced by a dropdown list. This changes the way we navigate in Pamac a lot.
A refresh button also got added. In addition, a new option called “Software mode” got introduced. This option allow you to see only programs that have a more detailed description, instead of seeing all packages individually. This could useful yo, for example, filter out extra stuff when looking for applications.
Also the “Details” section got reworked. Most elements now being aligned at the center of the window. Finally, Pamac will now give a warning when a reboot is deemed necessary after upgrading.
Indeed, unfortunately, “Linux never needs to reboot” is not quite true. There is several pieces of software that will require a system reboot for the update to take effect. Examples include the Linux kernel, systemd, GPU drivers, etc. If something like this get upgraded, Pamac will give a warning that the system needs to be rebooted. Of course, you are not forced to reboot immediately. You choose when you want to do it. Pamac only indicates you that you have to do it.
Conclusion
Having a GUI program can sometimes prove more convenient than installing all needed applications from the command line. Obviously pacman has not gone anywhere but pamac is kind of a simple-to-use wrapper with support for the AUR and AppStream.
