openSUSE Tutorials

Install and remove packages by name, version, or capability.

Installing and removing packages with wildcards

# zypper rm gtk*devel*
# zypper in gtk-sharp?

Handling multiple versions of a package

# zypper in package-1.2.3
# zypper rm package>1.2.3

Install and Remove at the same time, - means remove, + means install.

# zypper in <package to install> -<package to remove> +<another package to install>

Force a re-install

# zypper in --force <package>

Install plain RPM files and satisfy dependencies from repositories from a local disk or the web.

# zypper in ./file.rpm
# zypper in http://<url>/file.rpm

Update all installed packages with newer available version where possible

To get all updates that only include patches/bug fixes you can run this command:

# zypper up

To update all packages even if they are new versions, or to upgrade from one version of openSUSE to another:

# zypper dup

Manage Source / Development Packages

Install build dependencies for a package

# zypper si -d <package>

Pattens / Metapackages

You can list all available patterns by doing:

# zypper pt

Install the pattern xfce

# zypper in -t pattern xfce

Easily manage repositories

List repositories

# zypper lr

Add a repository

# zypper ar <url> <name>

Disable the first repository

# zypper mr -d 1

Disable a repository by name

# zypper mr -d repo-oss

Remove the first repository

# zypper rr 1

Getting info on packages

Searching for a package

# zypper se banshee-1
# zypper se bans*

Searching for a pattern/metapackage

# zypper se -t pattern media

By default, searching only gives you the name, summary, and type of a package, to get more detailed information like what repository its coming from and what version it is, you can do the following.

# zypper se -s package

View a short description of a package

# zypper if package

Other Cool Tricks

You can simulate any zypper command by putting --dry-run after them

# zypper in --dry-run <package>

You can lock a package in its current state (installed/not installed)

# zypper addlock <package>
# zypper removelock <package>