How to fix E: Unable to locate package --install in APT

The correct syntax for apt install is:

apt install <package-name>

If you're running as a non-root user, use sudo:

sudo apt install <package-name>

The package name comes AFTER the "install" keyword. Make sure you're not accidentally putting "--install" where the package name should be.

Review what you actually typed by checking your shell history:

history | grep apt

Look for patterns like:
- apt --install package-name (wrong order)
- apt -install package-name (missing second dash)
- apt install --install package-name (duplicated flags)
- apt install --install (no package name)

Correct any of these patterns by reordering to: apt install package-name

Once you've identified the correct package name you want to install, run:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install correct-package-name

For example, to install curl:

sudo apt install curl

NOT:

sudo apt --install curl    # Wrong!
sudo apt install --install # Wrong!

If the error persists after fixing syntax, search for the correct package name:

apt search package-keyword

This will show available packages matching your keyword. For instance:

apt search curl

Then install using the exact package name shown in the search results:

sudo apt install curl

This is helpful when you're not sure of the exact package name or if it's available in your system's repositories.