How to Install Yay on Arch Linux

If you use Arch Linux, you know how important it is to have a reliable AUR helper. Yay (Yet Another Yaourt) is one of the most popular tools for installing and managing packages from the Arch User Repository (AUR). It’s fast, easy to use, and written in Go.

Here’s how you can install Yay on your Arch system in just a few steps.

Step 1: Update Your System

Before installing anything new, make sure your system is up to date. Open your terminal and run:

sudo pacman -Syu

Step 2: Install the Prerequisites

Yay is built using Go, and you’ll also need Git to clone the Yay repository. Install both with:

sudo pacman -S --needed git base-devel

The base-devel group contains essential tools for building software from source.

Step 3: Clone the Yay Repository

Now, clone the Yay repository from the AUR using Git:

git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/yay.git

This will create a folder called yay in your current directory.

Step 4: Build and Install Yay

Change into the new directory and build Yay using the makepkg command:

cd yay
makepkg -si

• -s installs any missing dependencies.
• -i installs the package after building.

You may need to enter your password during installation.

Step 5: Start Using Yay

That’s it! You can now use Yay to search for and install packages from both the official repositories and the AUR. For example:

yay -S <package-name>

You can also update all your packages with:

yay -Syu

Why Use Yay?

• Simple commands: Works just like pacman.
• Clean interface: No unnecessary prompts or clutter.
• Active development: Regular updates and bug fixes.
• Handles dependencies: Automatically resolves and installs what you need.

Final Tips

• Never install AUR packages as root.
• Read PKGBUILDs before installing for extra safety.
• Keep Yay updated to avoid issues.

If you run into problems or need more details, check out the Yay GitHub page for documentation and troubleshooting.

Happy installing!

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!