Apt-file search for packages

TLDR pages
1

Search for files in apt packages, including ones not yet installed. More information: apt-file(1) — apt-file — Debian bookworm — Debian Manpages.

  • Update the metadata database:

sudo apt update

  • Search for packages that contain the specified file or path:

apt-file {{search|find}} {{partial_path/to/file}}

  • List the contents of a specific package:

apt-file {{show|list}} {{package_name}}

  • Search for packages that match the regular_expression:

apt-file {{search|find}} --regexp {{regular_expression}}