Tuesday, November 14, 2017

apt - How to upgrade to a newer version of a package than is available in the repository?


While using an open source genealogy program I encountered an error. I submitted a bug report and the author quickly fixed the problem (Yay for open source!).


Now I want off course to try the latest release (3.2.5) of this program (which includes the bugfix for my problem). Apt-get tells me that the version I have installed (3.2.3-1) is already the newest version.


So what is the best way to upgrade to a newer version of a package then is available in the repositories?


Do I:



  • remove the version I have currently installed with the package manager. Download the source of the newest version and compile it myself? Will this give problems when newer versions come out? Will I have to update this program manually in the future whenever newer versions come out?

  • Should I do the above, but with a program like checkinstall, and remove the manually compiled version once the version can be installed via the package manager?

  • Should I make a request for the package to be backported? I think my request will make little chance because the rules read:

    Applications to be backported must have meaningful benefits to the user not attainable via other processes. Specifically: The sole purpose must not be to fix a bug or security vulnerability.



Or is there another way to do this correctly?



In this particular case then the GRAMPS website provides a download link for a Ubuntu .deb package of version 3.2.5.


On this listing page select gramps_3.2.5-1_ubuntu10.deb which should be easily installable by double clicking on the downloaded file.


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