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APT (DEBIAN) PACKAGE SUPPORT

Streamline and Secure Your APT-Based Package Ecosystem

With first-class support for the Debian package ecosystem, you can ensure consistent, controlled, and compliant delivery of .deb packages using the Advanced Package Tool (APT) package manager.

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Why APT Matters & How We Enable Confidence

The APT (Debian) package management system is foundational for Debian, Ubuntu, and many derivative Linux distributions. APT automates fetching packages from repositories, resolving dependencies, applying upgrades, and maintaining the integrity of .deb-based software.

You need a solution that supports APT packages, repositories (hosted, proxy and group types), and integrates seamlessly into your existing artifact management and CI/CD workflows. Our platform enables enterprise-scale support for APT packages across your development and operations teams, reducing risk and improving delivery speed.

Supported Features

Hosted APT Repositories

Upload your internal .deb packages and metadata into a dedicated APT-format repository for deployment and sharing.

Proxy APT Repositories

Cache external Debian/Ubuntu repositories behind your control plane, speed up downloads, and enforce policy.

Flat Repository Format

Support flat APT repository layouts, where packages and metadata are in the root directory, to handle non-standard structures.

Metadata Signing

Generate or import GPG key pairs for signing repository metadata, ensuring packages and indices are trusted.

Artifact Format Support

Manage APT packages and other component types in a single, multi-format repository manager.

Multi-Distribution Support

Manage packages from Debian-based distributions using APT’s configuration model.

How APT Package Workflows Benefit Your Organization

Whether you are building, distributing or consuming .deb packages, APT workflows align with modern software delivery and governance practices.

  • Faster Delivery

    Caching and managing APT repositories internally reduces latency, speeds up installs and updates, and stabilizes developer workflows.

  • Stronger Governance

    Gain visibility and control over the APT packages and versions in your environment to enforce security, licensing, or compliance policies.

  • Better Continuity

    With hosted and proxy APT support, you can access all your required packages, even if upstream sources change or go offline, ensuring reliable builds for your Debian-based systems.

Take Control of Your APT-Based Ecosystem

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Resources

APT Repositories + Nexus Repository

See Documentation

Sonatype Nexus Repository Now Supports APT

Learn More

How Components Are Defined in Sonatype Nexus Repository

See Documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between hosted and proxy APT repositories? 

A hosted repository is where you publish your own packages. A proxy repository caches an upstream Debian/Ubuntu repository so you can control access, latency and policy.

Does APT support multiple distributions?

Yes, APT supports Debian and its derivatives (including Ubuntu) and is indeed widely used across multiple releases and derivatives.

How does APT integrate with our existing artifact repository?

Your APT packages become first-class citizens alongside Maven, npm, Docker, PyPI and other formats letting you manage all binaries through one platform.