Definition of Kali Linux Repository
Kali Linux repository is defined as a storage location where packages pertaining to Kali Linux distribution is stored. These packages can be part of utilities, tools, or software that can be installed in a Linux system and for the context of this article Kali Linux distribution specifically. The packages which is present in the storage location are tested, maintained by developers of Offensive Security and as a result of that, we can blindly get packages from there and install them without fear of breaking or crashing the system. Finally, at the client side, one is capable of even updating the packages even if they are already installed in the system. Here in this article, we will talk about end to end description of Kali Linux repository!
Syntax of Kali Linux Repository
In Kali Linux, apart fr
om a procedure we will talk about later in this article to add Kali Linux repository, we have varieties of commands to take care of respective utilities in the distribution. Here in this section, we will take a look on some of the utilities which will pose handy while dealing with Kali Linux distribution
- Syntax for updating the applications in the system
apt-get update
- Syntax for upgrading the Kali Linux operating system
apt-get upgrade
- Switching to kali-rolling repository
echo "deb <rolling repository link>" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list
- Switching to kali-last-snapshot repository
echo "deb < last snapshot repository link>" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list
- Switching to kali-experimental repository
echo "deb <experimental repository link>" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list
How does Repository Work in Kali Linux?
Let us first get down into a point of understanding what is repository. Repository is a location which stores all contents about a project. These contents can vary from project files, revision history and will enable developers to discuss and manage the project’s work. The repository can be either managed by an individual or the ownership can be shared across multiple teams as per the requirement. One can also shadow or restrict particular people by manipulating the repository’s visibility.
Now for Kali repository, one must understand that some updates or upgrades are instrumental in keeping the system up to date, but some updates might end up in making the Kali Linux non-functional. For the same reason, these versions are excluded from the repository. Hence, to summarize, anything present in repository are tested by the developers of the application and made sure that the updates and upgrades don’t hamper the smooth working of the system. The main motto behind the same is that something shouldn’t be broken in order to fix something else.In some instances, some third-party applications are not available on the Kali Linux repository and henceforth additional repositories are required to be added.
In order to do complete the utility of configuring Kali Linux repository on to the system we follow the below 3 steps:
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- By usage of a text editor, we would first need to open the file “/etc/apt/sources.list” and then edit the same.
- While the file is available for edit, we need to copy the below code on to the same file.
deb http://http.kali.org/kali kali-rolling main non-free contrib
- Once the file is edited it will be saved, and then a check, if the file has been updated, needs to be run to be double sure. This can be done by using cat command on the updated file and the syntax goes as:
$cat /etc/apt/sources.list
When the Kali Linux repository is set in the source list, anytime an update process takes place the Linux distribution will find the source.list file and check for the repository attached to the system. Once the repository is connected, the version present in the system is tallied against the one present in the repository. In case of a mismatch of the versions, the new versions present in the repository is taken and the update or upgrade process is started, by downloading and installing the versions of the application present in the repository. Once the install process is complete the work of the repository is complete for the time being, until the next update or upgrade process is run, and the cycle of action repeats itself again!
Now to update the Kali Linux, we need to run a specific command apt-get update so that the process mentioned above is started and automatically the applications present in the system are put into the newest version available in the repository. In some instance the entire system needs to be upgraded. These upgrades are instrumental in keeping the Kali Linux version available with us with the latest patch of the security, applications, utilities and other components required for the best and optimized use of the system. The upgrade process can be run using the command apt-get upgrade.
As we mentioned about that not all applications might be present in the repository, hence Kali Linux also provides an additional space in the system where user can install the additional tools required by them. The “/etc/apt/sources.list” should not be modified, and henceforth each of the repository needs to be mentioned in another directory named “/etc/apt/sources.list.d/<repo name>.list” where <repo name> should be replaced with the mirror name. The developers of Kali Linux have put out a warning sign that if the system breaks as a result of modifying non-Kali Linux repositories, they will not be able to offer support and hence the user should be very careful in doing so.
Examples of Kali Linux Repository
Following are the examples are given below:
Example #1
Syntax for updating the applications in the system
Syntax:
apt-get update
Output:
Example #2
Syntax for upgrading the Kali Linux operating system
Syntax:
apt-get upgrade
Output:
Example #3
Switching to kali-rolling repository
Syntax:
echo "deb http://http.kali.org/kali kali-rolling main non-free contrib" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list
Output:
Example #4
Switching to kali-last-snapshot repository
Syntax:
echo "deb http://http.kali.org/kali kali-last-snapshot main non-free contrib" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list
Output:
Notice the change in the highlighted cells!
Example #5
Switching to kali-experimental repository
Syntax
echo "deb http://http.kali.org/kali kali-experimental main non-free contrib" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list
Output:
We see that both the repository, the one for experimental is also in place in the source. list.
Conclusion
In this article, we have got a flavor of how the repository works in Kali Linux, and also a sense of how one can experiment with different repositories in place. Now for the readers, hands-on usage of the same is left for them to learn more hands-on! One word of caution is non-Kali Linux repo is risky for the system and hence should be handled with utmost care!
Recommended Articles
This is a guide to Kali Linux Repository. Here we also discuss the definition and how does repository work in kali linux? along with different examples and its code implementation. You may also have a look at the following articles to learn more –
