ArchPakete

ArchPakete refers to the software packages used in Arch Linux and its derivatives. A package in this context combines compiled binaries, resources, and metadata that describe how the software should be installed, upgraded, and removed. ArchPakete are designed to be minimal, clean, and closely aligned with upstream software.

Packages are built from PKGBUILD scripts, which describe how to obtain the source, apply patches, configure the build, and assemble the final package. The makepkg tool executes the build process, usually in a clean chroot environment, to reproduce the package from its PKGBUILD. Maintainers or contributors prepare PKGBUILD files and submit packages to official repositories or the Arch User Repository (AUR) for wider distribution. Pacman, the Arch package manager, handles installation, upgrades, and dependency resolution for ArchPakete.

Official Arch repositories are organized into core, extra, community, and multilib. These repositories contain binary packages that are carefully tested and signed. In addition to official packages, the AUR hosts user-contributed ArchPakete, which users can compile and install using makepkg and pacman. Packages from the AUR are not officially supported by Arch Linux developers and may require more manual attention.

ArchPakete include rich metadata such as depends, optdepends, provides, conflicts, replaces, and licenses. The package format typically uses the file extension .pkg.tar.zst, reflecting the current compression method, with historical use of .pkg.tar.xz. Arch packaging emphasizes simplicity, up-to-date software, and coherent interaction with pacman and the system’s rolling-release model.

Overall, ArchPakete form the core means by which software is distributed, installed, and maintained within the Arch Linux ecosystem, balancing upstream fidelity with reliable system integration.