Ubuntu
apt package

  1. Bug #1988819
  2. Comment #4

Comment 4 for bug 1988819

Revision history for this message
Brian Foster (blfoster) wrote : Re: When apt keeps back packages due to phased updates, it should say so

Yeah, I was confused by this at first too. Here's a hint, try "apt-mark showhold":

   $ apt-mark showhold
   $

If nothing is printed (as above), then the "issue" PRESUMABLY isn't local to your system; ergo, the cause is PROBABLY at the server, such as a phased update. Relax. It will probably sort itself out in a few days. (This hint is from https://askubuntu.com/questions/640986/how-to-get-a-list-of-installed-packages-held-back-from-upgrade "How to get a list of installed packages held back from upgrade?" (APT, etc., experts can please correct).)

As per above (#3), whilst the reason isn't stored, that does not mean apt(8)'s message cannot be improved. For example, instead of the current:

   The following packages have been kept back:
      PKG...

better might be something like:

   The following packages have been kept back:
      PKG...
   Some or all of those packages may be deliberately "on hold" on the server;
   please see manual page XXX(N) for information.

with (obviously) appropriate text in the manual page. (Exactly which man page is left to the experts.)