How to Record .deb Packages to a Text File

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Recording .deb packages - Ubuntu/Debian

By recording installed .deb packages in to a text file, they can easily be transferred and used on another computer to install the same packages. This functionality is especially useful for installing the identical packages on multiple computers. Unfortunately, it is only available on an Ubuntu and Debian system.

Recording Installed .deb Packages

There are two methods that can be used to record these installed .deb packages into a text file: the .deb packages

When using either method, it is important to ensure that the /etc/apt/sources.list file is identical in both computers. A USB flash drive will also be needed to transfer the packages. Follow the steps below to learn how to use these two methods.

Method #1: Use The Desktop Method with the Synaptic Package Manager

This is the easier of the two methods, and involves creating the package file using the Synaptic Package Manager. Here's how:

1. Click on the System button located at the top of the screen. Select Administration from the menu that appears. Select the Synaptic Package Manager in the window that opens.
2. Click on File and then click on Save Markings As…
3. Now, type in a name for the file, for example a name like deb_packages.txt.
4. Check the option: Save full state, not only changes. If this is not done, only the changes that have made in the current Synaptic session will be saved.
5. Insert the USB flash drive into the PC. Save the file to the USB drive.

Now, all that needs to be done is to insert the USB drive into another computer and open Synaptic. Go to File and then Read Markings… After doing this, some of the packages will be marked. These are the packages that were installed on the first computer. Click Apply to start the installation.

Method #2: Record .deb Packages Using the Command Line

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1. This can be done by clicking the Applications button, located near the of the screen.
2. Accessories and then click Terminem> in the drop down menu that wopen.
3. s open, type in the following command: sudo dpkg --get-selections "*" > /media/disk/deb_packages.txt
4. B drive and open the terminal and then run the following command:sudo dpkg --set-selections < /media/disk/deb_packages.txtsudo apt-get -u dselect-upgrade.
5. s run, the package installation will begin.

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