keptdependslocks

keptdependslocks is a mechanism used in some Linux distributions, particularly those using the dpkg package management system like Debian and Ubuntu, to manage dependencies for packages that have been marked as "kept back." When a package is kept back, it means that an upgrade or installation has been temporarily postponed. This often happens when a newer version of a package has dependencies that are not yet met by the currently installed system, or when there are complex upgrade scenarios that require careful handling.

The keptdependslocks file, typically located at /var/lib/dpkg/keptdependslocks, stores information about these kept-back packages and their associated dependency requirements. This file helps the package manager, dpkg, track the state of these packages and their dependencies. When the conditions for upgrading a kept-back package are met, dpkg can then consult this file to determine the necessary steps to resolve the dependencies and proceed with the installation or upgrade.

Essentially, keptdependslocks acts as a form of persistent state for dependency resolution related to packages that are intentionally not being updated immediately. It prevents the package manager from attempting to install or upgrade packages that would otherwise fail due to unmet dependencies, allowing administrators to manage system upgrades in a controlled manner. The presence and contents of this file are a strong indicator that certain packages are in a deferred upgrade state.