XBPS
What XBPS is
XBPS is the free package manager created from scratch and managed by the Void Linux team. It runs on Linux with XBPS binary packages and supports dependency resolution, offline installation, and local binary repositories. Its tools search package information, install and update packages, remove or reconfigure installed packages, and manage repository content. Void says XBPS checks updates so libraries are not changed to incompatible versions that could break dependencies. Users can hold packages during system updates, downgrade to a chosen version when the package file is available locally, and manage alternatives through selected symlinks. The handbook covers custom repositories and repository signing. Package updates do not restart services; an administrator handles that task separately. Void describes its independent rolling-release distribution as developed from scratch with a focus on stability over bleeding-edge software. For help, the handbook points to XBPS tool man pages and the xbps.d configuration man page. Security guidance recommends checking downloaded image and tarball integrity and authenticity with checksums and signatures.
Who it suits
XBPS suits Linux users and administrators managing software on Void Linux. It is useful when dependency handling, package holds, local repositories, offline installs, or controlled downgrades matter.
What it does well
- Supports dependency resolution on Linux
- Allows offline installation from local packages
- Can hold packages during system updates
- Supports package downgrades with local files
- Manages custom and signed repositories
What to know first
- Package updates do not restart services automatically
- Designed for Linux and XBPS binary packages
- Administrators must handle service restarts
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| XBPS | XBPS package manager for Void Linux | Free |
As docs.voidlinux.org lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
XBPS provides core package operations with dependency checks, rollback options, holds, and repository management. Service restarts remain an administrative task after updates.
Facts from XBPS's own pages
- Custom repositories
- XBPS supports local binary package repositories, and the handbook includes instructions for custom repositories. · docs.voidlinux.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Dependency checks
- Void says XBPS checks updates to ensure libraries are not changed to incompatible versions that can break dependencies. · docs.voidlinux.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Dependency resolution
- Yes · docs.voidlinux.org, 21 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · docs.voidlinux.org, 21 Sept 2026
- Intended audience
- Void describes itself as an independent rolling-release Linux distribution developed from scratch, with a focus on stability over bleeding-edge software. · docs.voidlinux.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Offline installation
- Yes · docs.voidlinux.org, 21 Sept 2026
- Package alternatives
- XBPS can manage alternatives that let multiple packages provide common functionality through selected symlinks. · docs.voidlinux.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Package formats
- XBPS binary packages · docs.voidlinux.org, 21 Sept 2026
- Package holds
- Users can hold a package to prevent it from being updated during a system update. · docs.voidlinux.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Package operations
- Its tools search package information, install and update packages, remove packages, reconfigure installed packages, and manage local binary repositories. · docs.voidlinux.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Platforms
- Void Linux downloads include x86_64, i686, ARM variants, and OCI container images for Linux platforms. · voidlinux.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- XBPS is a fast package manager designed and implemented from scratch and managed by the Void Linux team. · docs.voidlinux.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Repository signing
- The handbook provides instructions for signing repositories. · docs.voidlinux.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Rollback
- XBPS can downgrade a package to a specific version, including one no longer available in the repository index if the package file is available locally. · docs.voidlinux.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Security practice
- Void recommends verifying downloaded image and tarball integrity and authenticity using a checksum file and signature. · voidlinux.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Service updates
- XBPS does not restart services when packages are updated; the administrator handles that task. · docs.voidlinux.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Linux · docs.voidlinux.org, 21 Sept 2026
- Support resources
- The handbook directs users to XBPS tool man pages and the xbps.d configuration man page for most questions. · docs.voidlinux.org, 11 Oct 2026
Where XBPS stands on Freedom251
- Package Managers#63 of 93