Metapaketen

Metapaketen, also known as metapackages, are a type of software package used in package management systems to group together related software packages. They are typically used to simplify the installation and management of complex software systems by providing a single point of reference for multiple packages. Metapackages do not contain any software themselves, but rather serve as a convenient way to install a predefined set of packages that are commonly used together.

In Debian-based systems, metapackages are often used to install entire desktop environments, such as the KDE Plasma or GNOME desktop environments. They can also be used to install a set of packages for a specific purpose, such as a web server or a development environment. Metapackages are defined in the package management system's repository, and can be installed using the same commands as regular packages.

Metapackages can be a useful tool for system administrators and users who need to quickly and easily install a set of related packages. However, they can also be a source of confusion, as they can make it difficult to track exactly which packages are installed on a system. It is important to carefully review the contents of a metapackage before installing it, to ensure that it includes all the necessary packages and does not include any unwanted packages.