YQPkg: A Modern, Qt-based Package Manager To Replace YaST In OpenSUSE

OpenSUSE introduces YQPkg: A Modern Package Manager for OpenSUSE

OpenSUSE is launching a new package manager, YQPkg, a modern, standalone Qt-based application designed to streamline software package management on OpenSUSE Linux distributions. Currently in alpha, YQPkg aims to address the gap left by the transition from YaST to Agama and Cockpit. While Agama focuses on system installation and Cockpit on server administration, YQPkg offers a user-friendly, focused solution for individual package management. Leveraging the core libzypp package management library, YQPkg provides a lightweight and efficient alternative to YaST.

This article explores YQPkg's features, limitations, and development rationale.

What is YQPkg?

YQPkg is a standalone, Qt-based package manager for OpenSUSE. Its design prioritizes ease of use and a lightweight footprint, offering a modern interface for managing software packages. Although in early development, YQPkg already provides essential features for installing, updating, and removing packages, seamlessly handling dependencies. Its independence from YaST's infrastructure contributes to its agility and efficiency.

YQPkg's interface is shown below:

(Note: The interface is subject to change in future updates. For the latest screenshots, refer to the project's GitHub page.)

Key Features:

• User-friendly interface for browsing, searching, and installing packages across various repositories.
• Intuitive installation of specific package versions.
• Support for language-specific package discovery and installation.
• Handles package installation, updates, removal, dependency resolution, and provides user feedback.
• Operates in root mode (for full functionality) or read-only mode (for regular users).
• Lightweight and YaST-independent.

Why YQPkg?

YQPkg's development stems from the shift away from YaST towards Agama and Cockpit. While these tools excel in their respective domains (installation and server administration), they lack the granular package management capabilities of YaST's sw_singlemodule. YQPkg fills this void, offering:

• Improved browsing and installation capabilities.
• Support for version-specific installations.
• Simplified management of language-specific packages.
• A direct replacement for YaST's granular package management features.

How YQPkg Improves OpenSUSE Package Management:

YQPkg offers a standalone Qt GUI, bridging the gap left by YaST's removal. Its direct interaction with libzypp eliminates YaST dependencies, resulting in a more streamlined and lightweight tool. Key improvements include:

• Replacing YaST's fine-grained package management functionality.
• A modern, user-friendly interface.
• Independence and lightweight nature.
• Support for both root and non-root modes.
• Full package management capabilities (installation, updates, removal, dependency resolution).

Strengths and Limitations:

Strengths:

• Lightweight and independent of YaST.
• Modern and intuitive user interface.

Limitations:

• Alpha stage development (potential bugs).
• Lack of repository management (manual repository refresh required using zypper).
• Limited GPG key handling (no automatic import or signature verification prompts).

Installation and Usage:

1. Clone the YQPkg GitHub repository: git clone https://github.com/shundhammer/yqpkg.git
2. Navigate to the source directory: cd yqpkg
3. Build the package: make -f Makefile.repo; cd build; make
4. Install: sudo make install

YQPkg can be run as root for full control or as a regular user for read-only access. Remember to manually refresh your package lists using zypper before using YQPkg.

Conclusion:

YQPkg is a promising modern, lightweight package manager for OpenSUSE, designed to replace YaST's package management features. While still in alpha, it demonstrates significant potential. Users should exercise caution when using it on critical systems due to its ongoing development. For more information and the latest version, visit the project's GitHub page.

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