3 Ways to Install Nala on Ubuntu/Debian

Nala is a user-friendly, modern frontend for apt, the default package manager on Ubuntu and Debian. It makes package management faster, more readable, and even adds features like parallel downloads and clearer progress bars. If you’re ready to upgrade your command-line experience, here are three reliable ways to install Nala on your Ubuntu or Debian system.

1. Install Nala from Official Repositories

Starting with Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and Debian 12 “Bookworm”, Nala is available in the official repositories. This is the easiest and safest method.

Steps:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install nala

That’s it. You’re done. You can now use Nala just like you would use apt.

2. Install Nala from a PPA (for Older Ubuntu Versions)

If you’re running an older Ubuntu version (like 20.04 or 18.04) where Nala isn’t available in the default repositories, you can add the official PPA.

Steps:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:nalajoin/nala
sudo apt update
sudo apt install nala

This pulls Nala directly from the maintainers and keeps it updated with new releases.

3. Install Nala Manually (Using .deb Packages)

For maximum flexibility or for systems without access to the PPA, you can manually download the .deb package.

Steps:

1. Go to the Nala Releases page on GitHub.
2. Download the latest .deb file for your architecture.
3. Install it with:

sudo dpkg -i nala_*.deb
sudo apt --fix-broken install  # Resolves any dependency issues

Manual installation is quick, but you’ll need to repeat these steps for future updates.

Why Use Nala?

• Faster installs: Nala downloads packages in parallel.
• Better readability: Outputs are cleaner and easier to follow.
• Command compatibility: Works with all your usual apt commands.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading your package manager takes minutes and pays off with every install or update. Whether you’re using the official repo, a PPA, or a manual download, Nala is a great improvement over plain apt.

Have you tried Nala yet? Share your experience in the comments!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!