How to fix E: Couldn't find any package by glob 'package-name' in APT

Run apt update to refresh the package database and ensure you have the latest information:

sudo apt update

This fetches the latest package lists from all configured repositories. Without this step, apt might have outdated information about available packages.

Search for the package using apt-cache or apt search to find the exact name:

apt-cache search package-name
# or
apt search package-name

This shows all packages matching your search term. Note the exact package name from the output and use it in your install command. Package names are case-sensitive and may include version numbers or suffixes.

Verify what version of Ubuntu/Debian you're running and whether the package is available for it:

lsb_release -a
# or
cat /etc/os-release

Some packages are only available for specific versions. For example, older PHP versions may not be available on newer Ubuntu versions without a PPA. Check the official package repository documentation or the package maintainer's website to confirm availability.

If the package only exists in a PPA, add it first:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:repository/name
sudo apt update
sudo apt install package-name

For example, to install multiple PHP versions, use the Ondrej PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ondrej/php
sudo apt update
sudo apt install php8.3

Always review the PPA details before adding it to ensure it's from a trusted source.

On specialized distributions like Proxmox VE, check the distribution documentation for the correct package naming:

# On Proxmox VE, use pve-headers instead of linux-headers
sudo apt install pve-headers-$(uname -r)

# On other distributions, linux-headers is correct
sudo apt install linux-headers-generic

Running apt-cache search on your specific distribution will show you the exact package names available.

If installing a local .deb file, always use the full path or ./ prefix:

# Correct: use full path
sudo apt install /path/to/package_name.deb

# Correct: use relative path with ./
sudo apt install ./package_name.deb

# Incorrect: relative path without ./
sudo apt install package_name.deb  # This will fail

Without the path prefix, apt treats it as a package name to search for in repositories rather than a local file.