Excluding/Including the packages v13

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Different Linux distributions handle recommended or weak dependencies uniquely. This provides instructions on how to include or exclude these dependencies during package installation.

Adjusting these settings allows for more control over package installations, which can be particularly useful for creating minimal environments or reducing unnecessary package bloat.

RHEL/Rocky Linux/AlmaLinux

Exclude Weak Dependencies Temporarily:

To prevent DNF from installing weak dependencies during a single operation:

dnf --setopt=install_weak_deps=False install <package-name>

Exclude Weak Dependencies Permanently:

To disable the installation of weak dependencies system-wide:

Open the DNF configuration file:
```
sudo nano /etc/dnf/dnf.conf
```
Add the following line:
```
install_weak_deps=False
```

This setting ensures that weak dependencies are not installed by default.

SLES

Exclude Recommended Packages Temporarily:

To install only the required packages without recommended ones:

zypper install --no-recommends <package-name>

Include Recommended Packages Explicitly:

To ensure both required and recommended packages are installed:

zypper install --recommends <package-name>

Configure Default Behavior:

To change the default behavior of Zypper regarding recommended packages:

Edit the Zypper configuration file:
```
sudo nano /etc/zypp/zypp.conf
```
Set the following option:
```
solver.onlyRequires = true
```

This configuration ensures that only required packages are installed by default.

Debian/Ubuntu

Exclude Recommended Packages Temporarily:

To install a package without its recommended dependencies:

apt-get install --no-install-recommends <package-name>

Set Default Behavior:

To prevent APT from installing recommended packages by default:

Create a new configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/99norecommends

Add the following lines:

APT::Install-Recommends "false";
APT::Install-Suggests "false";

This configuration disables the automatic installation of recommended and suggested packages.

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