Managing software on Arch-based Linux distributions is one hell of a learning curve if you are completely new to Linux, especially Arch and all of its derivatives. While they are designed to give you complete control over your system, it requires extensive use of the terminal and different package types, like AUR packages, Flatpak, and AppImages. But there is a new tool that reduces how often you will need to use the terminal and multiple package managers. Follow along as we show you how to use Shelly ALPM, a graphical package manager that solves this problem by unifying all package types into one application.

Takeaways:

  1. Learn how Shelly ALPM combines system packages, AUR packages, Flatpak, and AppImages into a single graphical interface, eliminating the need for multiple package managers.
  2. Step-by-step instructions for installing Shelly ALPM on Arch-based distributions like CachyOS, replacing older tools such as Octopi, and configuring it for different package types.

How to Use Shelly ALPM on Arch-Based Linux (All in one PACKAGE GUI)

On CachyOS, Shelly ALPM has replaced Octopi as the default graphical package manager.

  • Installing Shelly is simple and can be done through the terminal or using the CachyOS package installer. On CachyOS just use the Package installer and search for Shelly, then install it.

install shelly on cachy os

  • To install via the terminal, open a terminal and run the following command:

sudo pacman -S shelly

If Octopi is installed and you want to remove it, use the command:

sudo pacman -R octopi

how to install shelly on arch linux

Shelly can also be installed or removed using the CachyOS graphical package installer. Search for Shelly and click install or search for Octopi and click remove.

uninstall octopi on cachyos

Using the Shelly ALPM Interface

When you open Shelly ALPM, the main page provides a search bar to search all available sources. This allows you to find packages across system repositories, the AUR, Flatpak, and local AppImages. Recent activity is displayed on the dashboard, showing installed and removed packages. The dashboard also includes statistics such as the total number of installed packages and a breakdown by package type.

  • Clicking on a package opens a sidebar with detailed information, including dependencies and optional requirements.
  • Shelly provides an experimental web view visualization of dependencies, allowing you to see how packages interact and depend on one another.

It's a fairly good GUI system that most people shouldn't take long to adjust too, even if you're a long time Windows user.

all in on package installer linux

How to Manage Packages in Shelly

Shelly ALPM supports installing local packages in formats such as .xz, .gz, and .zst, as well as AppImages. Anyone who's used Windows shouldn't have any real issue using Shelly as it has a lot of similar features and options just in a slightly different layout.

  • The interface allows you can manage Flatpak repositories, add or remove remotes, and install or remove Flatpak applications.
  • You can also manage AUR packages, including updating and removing them.
  • Shelly provides options for clean uninstallation, including removing configuration files if desired.
  • Updates can be performed directly through the interface.

how to update things using shelly

  • Shelly checks all mirrors and repositories for package updates.
  • A tray icon provides quick access to update packages, open the application, and manage Flatpak or system packages.
  • You can also schedule weekly automatic updates and enable a no-confirm mode to install packages without entering a password.

Advanced Features in Shelly ALPM

  • Shelly ALPM supports parallel downloads, allowing multiple packages to be installed simultaneously.
  • You can force a database update to resolve repository or package manager issues.
  • Dependency visualization and package grouping make it easier to explore available software and understand relationships between packages.

ASt the moment there are plans to include better Flatpak categorization, trending and updated package filters, and enhanced AppImage management. These features will further simplify things and make using Linux a hell of a lot easier. That said if you are looking for a really good, easy to use Linux OS check out Bazzite or CachyOS.