How to install PPA in Ubuntu Linux. Learn how to add PPA in Ubuntu via command line or using GUI. Personal Package Archives (PPAs) are software repositories designed for Ubuntu users and are easier to install than other third-party repositories.
A PPA is a Personal Package Archive, and is a method of distributing software to users, without requiring developers to undergo the full process of distribution in the main Ubuntu repositories. PPAs can be used to extend the available software in Ubuntu to both programs that are not otherwise available in Ubuntu, as well as to allow newer versions, such as beta programs, that have not yet undergone sufficient testing to be imported into the main archive.
The four main repositories are:
- Main – Canonical-supported free and open-source software.
- Universe – Community-maintained free and open-source software.
- Restricted – Proprietary drivers for devices.
- Multiverse – Software restricted by copyright or legal issues.
The Ubuntu Install CDs contain software from the “Main” and “Restricted” repositories, so if you have no Internet connection you can still install software from the CDs. If you have an Internet connection you can install software from any Ubuntu repository.
Install a PPAusing GUI
- On the PPA’s overview page, look for the heading Adding this PPA to your system. Make a note of the PPA’s location, which should look similar to: ppa:mozillateam/firefox-next.
- Click the Ubuntu Software icon in the Launcher, or search for Software in the search bar of the Dash.
- When Ubuntu Software launches, click Software & Updates
- Switch to the Other Software tab.
- Click Add and enter the ppa: location.
- Click Add Source. Enter your password in the Authenticate window.
- Close the Software & Updates window. Ubuntu Software will then check your software sources for new software.
Adding a PPA using the command-line
Make sure you have the package python-software-properties installed.
Step 1: On the PPA’s Launchpad page, look for the heading that reads “Adding this PPA to your system”. Make a note of the PPA’s location, which has the format ppa:user/ppa-name.
Step 2: Open a terminal and enter:
sudo apt-get update
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:user/ppa-name
sudo apt-get update
Replace ‘ppa:user/ppa-name’ with the PPA’s location that you noted above.
Your system will now fetch the PPA’s key. This enables your system to verify that the packages in the PPA have not been interfered with since they were built. The above command will create a PPA file under /etc/apt/sources.list.d on the system.