# PackageKit

> free software

**Wikidata**: [Q1204382](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1204382)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PackageKit)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/packagekit

## Summary
PackageKit is a free and open-source software package manager designed for Linux-based operating systems. Developed by Richard Hughes, it provides a standardized way to manage software packages across different Linux distributions, offering features like package installation, updates, and removal through a unified interface.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Free and open-source software package manager
- **Developer**: Richard Hughes
- **Inception**: 2007
- **Operating System**: Linux
- **Programming Languages**: Python, C, and others
- **License**: GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later
- **Latest Version**: 1.0.10 (released on 2015-09-21)
- **Website**: [https://www.freedesktop.org/software/PackageKit/](https://www.freedesktop.org/software/PackageKit/)
- **Source Code Repository**: [https://github.com/PackageKit/PackageKit](https://github.com/PackageKit/PackageKit)
- **Package Names**: `packagekit`, `PackageKit`, `packagekit-git`, etc.
- **GUI Toolkits**: GTK, Qt

## FAQs
### Q: What is PackageKit used for?
A: PackageKit is used to manage software packages on Linux systems, including installing, updating, and removing packages, as well as handling dependencies.

### Q: Who developed PackageKit?
A: PackageKit was developed by Richard Hughes, a free software programmer from the United Kingdom.

### Q: Is PackageKit free to use?
A: Yes, PackageKit is free and open-source software, licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later.

### Q: Which operating systems does PackageKit support?
A: PackageKit is designed to work on Linux-based operating systems.

### Q: What programming languages is PackageKit written in?
A: PackageKit is primarily written in Python, with additional components in C and other languages.

## Why It Matters
PackageKit plays a crucial role in simplifying software management on Linux systems by providing a standardized interface for package operations. It allows users and system administrators to manage software packages across different Linux distributions without needing to use distribution-specific tools. By offering a unified API and frontend applications, PackageKit enhances user experience and reduces complexity in software maintenance. Its open-source nature ensures transparency and community-driven development, making it a valuable tool for both end-users and developers.

## Notable For
- **Unified Package Management**: Provides a consistent interface for managing software across various Linux distributions.
- **Open-Source Development**: Maintained as free and open-source software, allowing community contributions.
- **Cross-Distribution Compatibility**: Supports multiple package formats and repositories, making it versatile for different Linux ecosystems.
- **Integration with Desktop Environments**: Works seamlessly with popular desktop environments like GNOME, providing a user-friendly experience.
- **Active Development**: Regular updates and improvements ensure compatibility with the latest Linux technologies and security standards.

## Body
### Overview
PackageKit is a free and open-source package manager designed for Linux-based operating systems. It was developed by Richard Hughes and first released in 2007. The project aims to provide a standardized way to manage software packages, offering features such as installation, updates, and removal through a unified interface.

### Development and Release
- **Developer**: Richard Hughes, a free software programmer from the United Kingdom.
- **Inception**: 2007.
- **License**: GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later.
- **Versions**: PackageKit has seen multiple releases, with the latest version being 1.0.10, released on September 21, 2015.
- **Source Code**: Available on GitHub at [https://github.com/PackageKit/PackageKit](https://github.com/PackageKit/PackageKit).

### Technical Details
- **Programming Languages**: Primarily written in Python, with additional components in C and other languages.
- **Operating System**: Designed for Linux-based systems.
- **GUI Toolkits**: Supports GTK and Qt for graphical user interfaces.
- **Package Formats**: Compatible with various package formats and repositories across different Linux distributions.

### Usage and Integration
- **Package Names**: Available as `packagekit`, `PackageKit`, `packagekit-git`, etc., depending on the distribution.
- **Integration**: Works with desktop environments like GNOME, providing a user-friendly experience for managing software.
- **API**: Offers a standardized API for package management, simplifying the process for developers and system administrators.

### Significance
PackageKit enhances the user experience by providing a unified interface for managing software across different Linux distributions. Its open-source nature ensures transparency and community-driven development, making it a valuable tool for both end-users and developers. By supporting multiple package formats and repositories, PackageKit promotes cross-distribution compatibility and simplifies software maintenance.

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "SoftwareApplication",
  "name": "PackageKit",
  "description": "Free and open-source package manager for Linux-based operating systems.",
  "url": "https://www.freedesktop.org/software/PackageKit/",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15241312", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PackageKit"],
  "applicationCategory": "PackageManager",
  "operatingSystem": "Linux",
  "license": "https://spdx.org/licenses/GPL-2.0-or-later",
  "datePublished": "2007",
  "softwareVersion": "1.0.10",
  "programmingLanguage": ["Python", "C"],
  "additionalType": "FreeSoftware"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/PackageKit/PackageKit/blob/9b7e083cf849c4ed4d66fe32250f1615ab577d94/src/pk-engine.c#L7)
2. [Source](https://www.openhub.net/p/PackageKit/analyses/latest/languages_summary)
3. [PackageKit relases](https://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/packagekit/2014-September/026297.html)
4. [Release 1.0.0. 2014](https://github.com/hughsie/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_0_0)
5. [Release 1.0.0. 2014](https://github.com/PackageKit/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_0_0)
6. [Source](https://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/packagekit/2014-October/026326.html)
7. [Release 1.0.1. 2014](https://github.com/hughsie/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_0_1)
8. [Release 1.0.1. 2014](https://github.com/PackageKit/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_0_1)
9. [Source](https://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/packagekit/2014-November/026327.html)
10. [Release 1.0.3. 2014](https://github.com/hughsie/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_0_3)
11. [Release 1.0.3. 2014](https://github.com/PackageKit/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_0_3)
12. [Source](https://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/packagekit/2015-January/026355.html)
13. [Release 1.0.4. 2015](https://github.com/hughsie/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_0_4)
14. [Release 1.0.4. 2015](https://github.com/PackageKit/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_0_4)
15. [Source](https://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/packagekit/2015-February/026359.html)
16. [Release 1.0.5. 2015](https://github.com/hughsie/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_0_5)
17. [Release 1.0.5. 2015](https://github.com/PackageKit/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_0_5)
18. [Source](https://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/packagekit/2015-April/026371.html)
19. [Release 1.0.6. 2015](https://github.com/hughsie/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_0_6)
20. [Release 1.0.6. 2015](https://github.com/PackageKit/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_0_6)
21. [Source](https://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/packagekit/2015-July/026377.html)
22. [Release 1.0.7. 2015](https://github.com/hughsie/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_0_7)
23. [Release 1.0.7. 2015](https://github.com/PackageKit/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_0_7)
24. [Source](https://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/packagekit/2015-August/026382.html)
25. [Release 1.0.8. 2015](https://github.com/hughsie/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_0_8)
26. [Release 1.0.8. 2015](https://github.com/PackageKit/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_0_8)
27. [Source](https://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/packagekit/2015-September/026384.html)
28. [Release 1.0.9. 2015](https://github.com/hughsie/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_0_9)
29. [Release 1.0.9. 2015](https://github.com/PackageKit/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_0_9)
30. [Source](https://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/packagekit/2015-September/026385.html)
31. [Release 1.0.10. 2015](https://github.com/hughsie/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_0_10)
32. [Release 1.0.10. 2015](https://github.com/PackageKit/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_0_10)
33. [Source](https://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/packagekit/2015-November/026402.html)
34. [Release 1.0.11. 2015](https://github.com/hughsie/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_0_11)
35. [Release 1.0.11. 2015](https://github.com/PackageKit/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_0_11)
36. [PackageKit - Where can I download it?](https://www.freedesktop.org/software/PackageKit/pk-download.html)
37. [Release 1.1.7. 2017](https://github.com/hughsie/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_1_7)
38. [Release 1.1.7. 2017](https://github.com/PackageKit/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_1_7)
39. [Release 1.1.0. 2016](https://github.com/hughsie/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_1_0)
40. [Release 1.1.0. 2016](https://github.com/PackageKit/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_1_0)
41. [Source](https://github.com/hughsie/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_1_8)
42. [Release 1.1.8. 2018](https://github.com/PackageKit/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_1_8)
43. [Source](https://github.com/hughsie/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_1_9)
44. [Release 1.1.9. 2018](https://github.com/PackageKit/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_1_1_9)
45. [Release 0.3.11. 2008](https://github.com/hughsie/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_0_3_11)
46. [Release 0.3.12. 2008](https://github.com/hughsie/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_0_3_12)
47. [Release 0.3.13. 2009](https://github.com/hughsie/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_0_3_13)
48. [Release 0.3.14. 2009](https://github.com/hughsie/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_0_3_14)
49. [Release 0.3.15. 2009](https://github.com/hughsie/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_0_3_15)
50. [Release 0.3.16. 2009](https://github.com/hughsie/PackageKit/releases/tag/PACKAGEKIT_0_3_16)