Apt-pbo: solving the software dependency problem using pseudo-boolean optimization

The installation of software packages depends on the correct resolution of dependencies and conflicts between packages. This problem is NP-complete and, as expected, is a hard task. Moreover, today’s technology still does not address this problem in an acceptable way. This paper introduces a new approach to solving the software dependency problem in a Linux environment, devising a way for solving dependencies according to available packages and user preferences. This work introduces the “apt-pbo” tool, the first publicly available tool that solves dependencies in a complete and optimal way. Categories and Subject Descriptors D.2.7 [Distribution, Maintenance, and Enhancement] General Terms Algorithms,Reliability

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2010
• Where: KBSE
• Authors: Paulo Trezentos, Inês Lynce, Arlindo L. Oliveira
• Keywords: Acceptable Way, Correct Resolution, KBSE 2010, Software Dependency Problem, Software Engineering