How to Export a List of Installed Applications on Ubuntu

If you're an Ubuntu user who wants to keep track of all the applications you have installed on your system or if you're planning to migrate to a new Ubuntu installation and want to ensure you have a record of your software choices, you'll want to know how to export a list of your installed applications. Fortunately, Ubuntu makes it relatively straightforward to do so using the `dpkg` command.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to export a list of all installed applications to a text file.

Step 1: Open the Terminal

First, open a terminal window on your Ubuntu system. You can do this by pressing `Ctrl` + `Alt` + `T` on your keyboard or by searching for "Terminal" in the application menu.

Step 2: Use the `dpkg` Command

Now, let's use the `dpkg` command to list all installed packages and save the output to a text file. There are two variations of this command you can use depending on your preference:

Option 1: List All Installed Packages

To list all installed packages, including both applications and libraries, and save the list to a text file named "installed-packages.txt" (you can choose a different name if you prefer), run the following command:

dpkg --get-selections > installed-packages.txt

Option 2: List Installed Packages with Versions

If you want to include information about the versions of the installed packages, use the following command instead:

dpkg --get-selections | awk '{print $1}' | xargs dpkg-query -W -f='${binary:Package}\t${Version}\n' > installed-packages.txt

This command creates a list that includes the package name and version for each installed package.

Step 3: Access the List

Once you've executed the command, you'll find the list of installed packages in the "installed-packages.txt" file in your current directory. You can open this text file using a text editor to view the list of installed applications.

Conclusion

Exporting a list of installed applications on Ubuntu is a useful way to keep track of your software choices or to prepare for system migrations. The `dpkg` command simplifies the process, allowing you to generate a comprehensive list of installed packages with just a few commands.

Whether you're a power user who frequently reinstalls their system or simply someone who wants to maintain a record of their software setup, this method provides a valuable solution for managing your installed applications on Ubuntu.

Now you have a handy reference to all the applications on your Ubuntu system, making it easier to reinstall them or share your software choices with others when needed.