| Ubuntu Software Center | |
|---|---|
 | |
 Ubuntu Software Center 13.10 onUbuntu 13.10. The application is called the "Ubuntu Software Centre" outside of the U.S. | |
| Original author | Canonical Ltd. / Ubuntu Foundation |
| Developer | Canonical Ltd. |
| Initial release | 29 October 2009; 16 years ago (2009-10-29) |
| Final release | 16.04 / 20 April 2016; 9 years ago (2016-04-20) |
| Written in | Python |
| Platform | Ubuntu Desktop Edition9.10 and later Ubuntu Touch 1.0 and higher |
| Type | Digital distribution (Apps, Books) Package manager |
| License | GPLv3,LGPLv3 |
| Website | apps launchpad |
| Repository | |
Ubuntu Software Center, or simplySoftware Center, is a discontinued high-level graphical front end for theAPT/dpkgpackage management system. It isfree software written inPython,PyGTK/PyGObject based onGTK.
The program was created for adding and managingrepositories, as well as UbuntuPersonal Package Archives (PPA) and on Ubuntu, the Ubuntu Software Center also allowed users to purchase commercial applications.[1]
Development was ended in 2015 and inUbuntu 16.04 LTS. It was replaced withGNOME Software.[2][3]
In early 2009 Ubuntu developers noted that package management within Ubuntu could be improved and consolidated. Recent releases of Ubuntu, such asUbuntu 9.04 (Jaunty Jackalope) included five applications for package management which consumed space and other resources, as well as provide confusion to users. Applications could be downloaded using the basicAdd/Remove Applications or with theSynaptic Package Manager. TheSoftware Updater provided updating for installed packages andComputer Janitor cleaned up packages that were no longer needed. TheSoftware Sources application allowed user selection of the package download location.[4]
Ubuntu developers set as a goal:
"... there should be one obvious mechanism for installing, removing, and updating software in Ubuntu, with a self-evident name and an interface anyone can use. There should be a coordinated system for developers and enthusiasts to improve the usefulness of descriptions and other metadata for software packages. The software updates interface should be honed to maximize the voluntary installation of updates across the millions of computers on which Ubuntu is installed. And projects and vendors whose software is packaged for Ubuntu should be encouraged to provide links to their software's presence in the Software Store, instead of command-line installation instructions."[4]
Canonical introduced the Software Center gradually, starting withUbuntu 9.10 (Karmic Koala) with complete functionality expected by Ubuntu 11.10, in October 2011. By May 2011, the plan had mostly been completed:[4]
In August 2015 Chris Hoffman ofPC World criticized the application, indicating that Canonical was not maintaining it properly while work on the replacement application was being pursued. In particular, he noted that paid applications were not being supported properly and that Canonical had not informed developers of this. The application still works for installing and managing free software applications.[14]
In November 2015 Canonical announced that development would end and the application would be replaced byGNOME Software inUbuntu 16.04 LTS.[2][3]
Other examples of a high-level graphical front end forAPT:
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