When Ubuntu users consider that an application is not important they can perform the uninstallation process from the terminal. If you want to carry out this process, we invite you to read this article where you will learn How to uninstall a program or application in Ubuntu from the terminal?
What is the Ubuntu terminal?
The Ubuntu terminal is a command interpreter that allows you to execute instructions on the system without the need for a graphical interface. It is also known as “Shell” and allows users to perform any type of task in text format.
What is the Ubuntu terminal for?
The Ubuntu terminal is used to enter commands that the system executes to carry out a series of instructions from an emulator or a text-mode environment. In this sense, users can install packages or programs in Ubuntu from the terminal and delete them from this route when they consider it necessary.
How does the Ubuntu terminal work?
The Ubuntu terminal works through a command line prompt. At this prompt, users can enter the commands necessary for the system to proceed to execute the instructions and automatically open three interfaces: standard input, standard output, and standard error.
How to uninstall a program or application in Ubuntu from the terminal?
If you want to uninstall a program or application in Ubuntu from the terminal, you need to know a series of commands that will allow you to develop the procedure successfully, as we explain below.
Enter the terminal to uninstall a program or application in Ubuntu
To access the Ubuntu terminal you must press the Ctrl + Alt + T keys . Immediately, you will see a window so that you can enter text. If you want to modify this resource according to your preferences, you can customize the Ubuntu terminal with PowerLine Linux in a simple and fast way.
You can also access this tool from the Ubuntu icon located in the upper left of the screen. Type “terminal” in the search bar and click “Terminal.”
Open the list of programs or applications installed in Ubuntu
Locate the list of programs or applications that have been installed in Ubuntu. To achieve this, you must type dpkg –list and press the “Enter” key. Immediately, you will see the list of all the programs that you have installed on your system.
Similarly, you can use the command sudo apt –installed list | more to easily get the list of programs.
Locate the program you want to uninstall
It’s time to find the program you want to uninstall from Ubuntu. Write the actual name of the program separately for you to use in the next step.
Use the apt –get command to uninstall a program or application in Ubuntu from the terminal
To uninstall the application from the terminal, you must enter the following syntax: sudo apt-get remove program_name. Replace the word “program_name” with the actual name of the program you are going to uninstall from Ubuntu.
It is important to note that with this command you only remove the application but the configuration files and some add-ons are preserved. To completely remove the program, enter the following syntax: sudo apt-get purge program_name . Then press the “Enter” key.
Enter the root password
It is essential that you enter the root password that corresponds to the administrator user or “super user” for the system to execute the uninstallation process. Later, press the “Enter” key
Confirm the uninstall process
In order to confirm the uninstallation process, type in the terminal the character “y” (without quotes) while holding down the “Enter” key. Immediately, the program will begin to uninstall. This process takes a time that depends on the size of the program package .
What should I do if I have not been able to uninstall a program or application in Ubuntu from the terminal?
If you have not managed to uninstall the application with the apt –get command, you can use this syntax that serves the same purpose: sudo aptitude remove program_name . Replace the word “program_name” with the actual name of the program you are going to uninstall from Ubuntu. Finally, press the “Enter” key. Also, you can choose to repair broken or badly installed packages in Ubuntu from the terminal if you still want to use an application but it has flaws.
