[SOLVED] How to know which package to install to get a specific file
DebianThis forum is for the discussion of Debian Linux.
Notices
Welcome to LinuxQuestions.org, a friendly and active Linux Community.
You are currently viewing LQ as a guest. By joining our community you will have the ability to post topics, receive our newsletter, use the advanced search, subscribe to threads and access many other special features. Registration is quick, simple and absolutely free. Join our community today!
Note that registered members see fewer ads, and ContentLink is completely disabled once you log in.
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us. If you need to reset your password, click here.
Having a problem logging in? Please visit this page to clear all LQ-related cookies.
Get a virtual cloud desktop with the Linux distro that you want in less than five minutes with Shells! With over 10 pre-installed distros to choose from, the worry-free installation life is here! Whether you are a digital nomad or just looking for flexibility, Shells can put your Linux machine on the device that you want to use.
Exclusive for LQ members, get up to 45% off per month. Click here for more info.
How to know which package to install to get a specific file
Greetings all:
I know this has been asked a million times, but I just can't seem to get a hit with various Google searches. Sorry.
Okay, so I need to get the XTest library headers onto my computer so I can compile an outside package. Specifically I need XTest.h. I know how to figure out which package owns XTest.h once it's installed (dpkg -S XTest.h), but how the heck can I figure out which package contains that file if it's not yet installed?
FWIW, after a while I figured out that file by looking at a machine where it was already installed - but it sure seems like there would be an easy way to find it. I tried:
apt-cache search XTest.h <- No hits
apt-cache search XTest <- Several hits, none have the header files
Can someone give me a hint? Maybe point to a tutorial or man page?
Wow! Thanks everyone! I subscribed to this thread and hadn't even gotten a notification yet.
I knew I had to be missing something easy.
Hi there
Glad you found your solution!
For your information, every thread you post into, gets added to your subscribed-threads list, but you won't necessarily get any notifications unless you specifically make it so via your user profile, or by manually selecting "Email Notification" on a given thread.
If you DO want email notification, just enable it in your profile. Note that notifications may lag behind actual posts, depending on server load and other factors.
Again, good to see you have your answer -- and if you like, you can mark your thread [solved] by using the "Thread Tools" drop-down menu at the top
Oh, thanks. I went to subscribe to this page and found that I was already subscribed. Not surprising considering that I started the thread. I didn't realize or notice that I had to add email notifications to the subscription.
On a side note, I notice that the icon next to my post shows Windows. I went offline and changed my user agent. It kind of looks bad posting here with that darn icon.
[EDIT]Hmm, still shows Windows. Oh well, I must have missed something.
On a side note, I notice that the icon next to my post shows Windows. I went offline and changed my user agent. It kind of looks bad posting here with that darn icon.
[EDIT]Hmm, still shows Windows. Oh well, I must have missed something.
That would be the new feature which is in testing stage. I have also noticed what you have, even after you edit your post using different OS then the one you've used when you first made your post or if you change UA in your browser, (disribution) icon won't change. I guess if this feature will be implemented that that will be fixed.
You can look for the thread about it in the LQ Feedback and suggestions forum.
many times i have wondered how to search debian packages using apt/aptitude to find what package provides which files. the package site is what i have had to rely on. it has to be said it does the business.
LinuxQuestions.org is looking for people interested in writing
Editorials, Articles, Reviews, and more. If you'd like to contribute
content, let us know.