Linux package formats are the different file formats used to package software for various Linux distributions. These are the principal kinds of package: binary and source packages.
Examples:
- DEB — Debian package, originally from Debian. Used by Debian and derivatives such as Ubuntu.
- ebuild — The file containing information on how to retrieve, compile, and install a package in Gentoo's Portage system using the command emerge. Typically these are source-primary installs, though binary packages can be installed in this fashion as well. Gentoo-based distributions also use the ebuild system from the same Portage tree.
- RPM — RPM Package Manager, originally from Red Hat, is now used by many other distributions as well, like openSUSE, Mageia and Alt Linux.
- pkg.tar.xz — Used by Arch Linux's Pacman package manager.
- PiSi — Used by Pisi Linux and formerly Pardus.
- tgz or tar.gz — Standard tar + gzip, possibly with some extra control files. Used by Slackware and others, or sometimes when distributing very simple handmade packages.
- SuperDeb — An installer containing a program plus all the dependencies needed, was used in now-discontinued Super OS.
- LZM — Used by Slax. Opens with Slax Module Manager, and then gets installed to the KDE menu as a Desktop Config file. May be placed into the Slax CD's Modules folder to get installed at boot.
- PUP and PET — Used by Puppy Linux and derivatives. Click and install package type. OS can be installed to a flash drive for portability and will bring apps with it.