Arch User Repository
lastmod 2020-09-29created 2020-09-063 edits
The Arch User Repository (AUR) is a community-driven repository for Arch users. It contains package descriptions (PKGBUILDs) that allow you to compile a package from source with makepkg and then install it via pacman. The AUR was created to organize and share new packages from the community and to help expedite popular packages' inclusion into the community repository. This document explains how users can access and utilize the AUR.
A good number of new packages that enter the official repositories start in the AUR. In the AUR, users are able to contribute their own package builds (PKGBUILD and related files). The AUR community has the ability to vote for packages in the AUR. If a package becomes popular enough — provided it has a compatible license and good packaging technique — it may be entered into the community repository (directly accessible by pacman or abs).
Setup
Simple build command
Installing and upgrading packages
Installing packages from the AUR is a relatively simple process. Essentially:
- Acquire the build files, including the PKGBUILD and other required files such as system units and patches (usually not the actual code).
- Verify that the PKGBUILD and related files are not malicious or untrustworthy.
- Run
makepkg -siin the directory where the files are saved. This downloads the code, resolves dependencies with pacman, compiles it, packages it, and then installs the package.