libpackageinfo

libpackageinfo is a software library designed to provide a consistent interface for querying information about installed software packages across different operating systems and package management systems. Its primary goal is to abstract away the complexities of individual package managers, such as APT, RPM, Homebrew, or Windows Installer, allowing applications to retrieve details like package name, version, description, and dependencies without needing to know the specifics of each underlying system.

The library typically works by identifying the system's package manager and then using native commands or APIs to fetch the requested information. It then formats this data into a standardized structure that the calling application can easily consume. This abstraction layer simplifies development for tools that need to interact with package information, such as system information utilities, software inventory tools, or automated deployment systems.

libpackageinfo aims to be cross-platform, supporting a wide range of Linux distributions, macOS, and Windows. It is often used in conjunction with other system management tools or libraries. The library's development focuses on maintaining compatibility with evolving package management systems and expanding its support to new platforms and package formats. Its availability and implementation details can vary depending on the specific project or distribution that incorporates it.