How To Install Paru AUR Helper In Arch Linux

If you’re running Arch Linux, you already know the Arch User Repository (AUR) is a goldmine for software packages that aren’t in the official repos.
While you could install packages from the AUR manually, it’s way easier to use an AUR helper. Paru is one of the best — lightweight, feature-rich, and designed to be a drop-in replacement for yay.

This guide walks you through installing Paru from scratch on Arch Linux.

Why Choose Paru?

• Actively maintained and regularly updated.
• Rust-based for performance and safety.
• Works almost exactly like yay, so the learning curve is minimal.
• Handles both official repo packages and AUR packages in one go.

Step 1 – Install the Base Development Tools

Before you can build anything from the AUR, make sure you have the essential development tools installed.

sudo pacman -S --needed base-devel

base-devel includes make, gcc, patch, and other tools needed to compile packages from source.

Step 2 – Install Git

Paru’s PKGBUILD is hosted on the AUR, so you’ll need Git to clone it.

sudo pacman -S git

Step 3 – Clone the Paru Git Repository

Navigate to a working directory (like your home folder) and clone the Paru repository from the AUR.

cd ~
git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/paru.git

Step 4 – Build and Install Paru

Change into the cloned directory, then run makepkg to build and install the package.

cd paru
makepkg -si

• -s will automatically install dependencies.
• -i will install the compiled package after building.

Step 5 – Verify Installation

Once installed, you can check that Paru is working:

paru --version

If you see a version number, you’re good to go.

Step 6 – Using Paru

Here are a few examples of how to use Paru:

• Search for a package
  paru -Ss package_name
• Install a package
  paru -S package_name
• Update all packages (including AUR)
  paru -Syu

Tips

• Paru will prompt you before building packages. Read the PKGBUILD if you want to review what’s being installed.
• You can use paru exactly where you would use pacman — just with AUR support built-in.

Final Thoughts

Paru makes working with the AUR painless while keeping the experience familiar for pacman or yay users.
Once installed, you’ll wonder why you didn’t set it up sooner.

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!