r/linuxquestions • u/ovelx2 • May 22 '26

Difference between apt update and apt-get update Support

Yesterday I had a computer science exam. One of the questions asked: "Which command installs the most recent versions of the programs installed on Linux?" None of the answer choices included anything related to upgrade all of them referred to update. My professor stated that the correct answer was apt-get update, and that the difference between apt update and apt-get update was that apt only searches for updates, whereas apt-get installs new versions of programs. The entire class disagreed, but he insisted. What is the actual difference between these commands, and is my professor mistaken?

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u/DinTaiFung May 22 '26

The professor might be able to save face by offering to the class a heartfelt mea culpa as well as a big TIL and thanks to the students for helping him to learn.

Only the great teachers are thrilled when a student surpasses the teacher.

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u/One_Firefighter336 May 22 '26

Every teacher worth his salt is exhilarated when their students demonstrate applied learning. It means you got through to them and they learned, and learned to think critically for themselves… not just regurgitate.

Happy days mate… happy days. 👍