Slackware pkgtools

Spec sheet

Purpose

pkgtools is a set of applications for basic package management included in Slackware’s base installation.Read 11 Oct 2026 · docs.slackware.com

Platforms

The Slackware overview describes a 32-bit and 64-bit system that runs on x86 and AMD64-compatible machines.Read 11 Oct 2026 · docs.slackware.com

Free plan

YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · slackware.com

Create packages

makepkg creates a new Slackware package from the contents of the current directory.Read 11 Oct 2026 · docs.slackware.com

Dependency handling

Slackware package tools do not automatically track dependencies or install dependencies when installing a package.Read 11 Oct 2026 · docs.slackware.com

Dependency resolution

NoRead 22 Sep 2026 · slackware.com

Documentation

The Slackware overview says the distribution includes extensive online documentation and a menu-driven package system.Read 11 Oct 2026 · docs.slackware.com

Inspect packages

explodepkg uncompresses and untars a package into the current directory so its contents can be reviewed before installation.Read 11 Oct 2026 · docs.slackware.com

Install packages

installpkg installs a new Slackware package.Read 11 Oct 2026 · docs.slackware.com

Interactive interface

pkgtool provides an interactive, menu-driven interface to install, remove, or view packages, and can rerun installation menu scripts for basic reconfiguration.Read 11 Oct 2026 · docs.slackware.com

Network updates

Slackware’s separate slackpkg tool installs official packages from Slackware servers and manages updates and upgrades.Read 11 Oct 2026 · docs.slackware.com

Offline installation

YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · slackware.com

Package format

Slackware packages are compressed TGZ or TXZ archives that contain a file and directory tree, post-installation scripts, and a package description.Read 11 Oct 2026 · docs.slackware.com

Package formats

tgz,txz,tbz,tlzRead 22 Sep 2026 · slackware.com

Project history

Slackware’s first beta release was in April 1993.Read 11 Oct 2026 · docs.slackware.com

Remove packages

removepkg removes a package from the system.Read 11 Oct 2026 · docs.slackware.com

Supported platforms

Slackware Linux on x86,x86_64,and ARM portsRead 22 Sep 2026 · slackware.com

Target users

Slackware describes its focus on simplicity and stability and says the distribution suits users who want to create custom systems or use a desktop, workstation, or server.Read 11 Oct 2026 · docs.slackware.com

Upgrade packages

upgradepkg upgrades a Slackware package by installing the new package and removing old-package files that are not present in it.Read 11 Oct 2026 · docs.slackware.com

Plans and prices

Every Slackware pkgtools plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

• Package Managers#78 of 937.4