apt-sortpkgs
Sort package index files
TLDR
Sort a Packages file
$ apt-sortpkgs [Packages] > [Packages.sorted]
Sort Sources file$ apt-sortpkgs -s [Sources] > [Sources.sorted]
SYNOPSIS
apt-sortpkgs [-s] file
DESCRIPTION
apt-sortpkgs sorts Debian package index files (Packages or Sources files) into a consistent order. This is useful for comparing files or ensuring reproducible output.The tool reads the index file, sorts packages alphabetically by name, and outputs the sorted version.
PARAMETERS
-s, --source
Treat input as Sources file instead of Packages-o option
Set configuration option-c file
Read additional configuration
INSTALL
sudo apt install apt-utils
sudo dnf install apt-utils
sudo pacman -S apt
sudo apk add apt
brew install apt
nix profile install nixpkgs#apt
CAVEATS
Primarily used for repository maintenance and comparison. Not needed for normal APT operation. Large files may consume significant memory.
HISTORY
apt-sortpkgs is part of the APT suite, useful for repository maintainers who need deterministic index file ordering.