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{{short description|Ubuntu software distribution platform}}
⚫
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2011}}
{{Distinguish|Ubuntu Software}}
⚫
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2023}}
{{Infobox software
{{Infobox software
| name = Ubuntu Software Center
| name = Ubuntu Software Center
| title = Ubuntu Software Center
| title = Ubuntu Software Center
| logo = [[File:Ubuntu Software Center icon v3.svg|100px]]
| logo = Ubuntu Software Center icon v3.svg
⚫
| logo size = 100px
| logo caption =
| logo caption =
⚫
| logo size =
| logo alt =
| logo alt =
| screenshot = [[File:Ubuntu Software Center 13.10.png|300px]]
| screenshot = Ubuntu Software Center 13.10.png
⚫
| screenshot size = 300px
| caption = Ubuntu Software Center 13.10 on [[Ubuntu 13.10]]. The application is called the "Ubuntu Software Centre" outside of the U.S.
| caption = Ubuntu Software Center 13.10 on [[Ubuntu version history#1310|Ubuntu 13.10]]. The application is called the "Ubuntu Software Centre" outside of the U.S.
⚫
| screenshot size =
| screenshot alt =
| screenshot alt =
| collapsible =
| collapsible =
| author = [[Canonical Ltd.]] / [[Ubuntu Foundation]]
| author = [[Canonical (company)|Canonical Ltd.]] / Ubuntu Foundation
| developer = [[Canonical Ltd.]]
| developer = [[Canonical (company)|Canonical Ltd.]]
| released = {{Start date and age|2009|10|29}}
| released = {{Start date and age|df=yes|2009|10|29}}
| discontinued =
| discontinued = yes
| latest release version = 13.10
| latest release version = 16.04
| latest release date = {{Start date and age|2013|10|07}}
| latest release date = {{Start date and age|df=yes|2016|04|20}}
| latest preview version =
| latest preview version =
| latest preview date =
| latest preview date =
| frequently updated = <!-- DO NOT include this parameter unless you know what it does -->
| status = Development ended / 45,000 Apps<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[Canonical Ltd.]]|url=http://assets.ubuntu.com/sites/ubuntu/latest/u/files/section/devices/Ubuntu-fast_facts.pdf|title=Canonical & Ubuntu Fast facts|accessdate=7 August 2013}}</ref>
| programming language = [[Python (programming language)|Python]]
| programming language = [[Python (programming language)|Python]]
| operating system =
| operating system =
| platform = [[Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu Desktop Edition]] [[Ubuntu 9.10|9.10]] and later<br />[[Ubuntu Touch]] 1.0 and higher
| platform = [[Ubuntu|Ubuntu Desktop Edition]] [[Ubuntu version history#0910|9.10]] and later<br />[[Ubuntu Touch]] 1.0 and higher
| size =
| size =
| language =
| language =
| language count = <!-- DO NOT include this parameter unless you know what it does -->
| language count = <!-- DO NOT include this parameter unless you know what it does -->
| language footnote =
| language footnote =
| genre = [[Digital distribution]] (Apps, Books)<br />[[Package management system|Package manager]]
| genre = [[Digital distribution]] (Apps, Books)<br />[[Package manager]]
| license = [[GNU General Public License|GPL]]
| license = [[GNU General Public License#Version 3|GPLv3]], [[GNU Lesser General Public License|LGPLv3]]
| alexa =
| alexa =
| website = {{URL|https://apps.ubuntu.com/cat/}}<br />{{URL|https://launchpad.net/software-center}}
| website = {{URL|https://apps.ubuntu.com/cat/}}<br />{{URL|https://launchpad.net/software-center}}
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}}
}}


'''Ubuntu Software Center''' or simply '''Software Center''' was a high-level graphical front end for the [[Advanced Packaging Tool|APT]]/[[dpkg]] [[package management system]]. It was [[free and open-source software|free software]] written in [[Python (programming language)|Python]], [[PyGTK]]/[[PyGObject]] based on [[GTK+]].
'''Ubuntu Software Center''', or simply '''Software Center''', is a discontinued high-level graphical front end for the [[APT (Package Manager)|APT]]/[[dpkg]] [[Package manager|package management system]]. It is [[free and open-source software|free software]] written in [[Python (programming language)|Python]], [[PyGTK]]/[[PyGTK#PyGObject|PyGObject]] based on [[GTK]].


The program was used to add and manage [[Software repository|repositories]] as well as Ubuntu [[Personal Package Archive]]s (PPA) and on Ubuntu, the Ubuntu Software Center also allowed users to purchase commercial applications.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shop.canonical.com/index.php?cPath=19 |title=Canonical Store |publisher=Shop.canonical.com |date= |accessdate=2013-08-07}}</ref>
The program was created for adding and managing [[Software repository|repositories]], as well as Ubuntu [[Ubuntu#Package Archives|Personal Package Archive]]s (PPA) and on Ubuntu, the Ubuntu Software Center also allowed users to purchase commercial applications.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://shop.canonical.com/index.php?cPath=19 |title=Canonical Store |publisher=Shop.canonical.com |access-date=2013-08-07}}</ref>


Development was ended in 2015 and in [[Ubuntu 16.04 LTS]] it was replaced with [[GNOME Software]] instead.<ref name ="Tran04Nov25">{{cite web|url=http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2015/11/the-ubuntu-software-centre-is-being-replace-in-16-04-lts|title=Ubuntu Software Centre To Be Replaced in 16.04 LTS|author=Sam Tran|work=OMG! Ubuntu!|accessdate=4 November 2015}}</ref><ref name="silviustahie">{{cite web|url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/ubuntu-16-04-lts-to-drop-ubuntu-software-center-for-gnome-software-495760.shtml|title=Ubuntu 16.04 LTS to Drop Ubuntu Software Center for GNOME Software|author=Silviu Stahie|date=5 November 2015|work=softpedia|accessdate=5 November 2015}}</ref>
Development was ended in 2015 and in [[Ubuntu version history#1604|Ubuntu 16.04 LTS]]. It was replaced with [[GNOME Software]].<ref name ="Tran04Nov25">{{Cite web|url=https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2015/11/the-ubuntu-software-centre-is-being-replace-in-16-04-lts|title=Ubuntu Software Centre To Be Replaced in 16.04 LTS|author=Sam Tran|work=OMG! Ubuntu!|date=4 November 2015 }}</ref><ref name="silviustahie">{{Cite web|url=https://news.softpedia.com/news/ubuntu-16-04-lts-to-drop-ubuntu-software-center-for-gnome-software-495760.shtml|title=Ubuntu 16.04 LTS to Drop Ubuntu Software Center for GNOME Software|author=Silviu Stahie|date=5 November 2015|work=Softpedia}}</ref>


==Development history==
==Development history==
In early 2009 Ubuntu developers noted that package management within Ubuntu could be improved and consolidated. Recent releases of Ubuntu, such as [[Ubuntu 9.04 Jaunty Jackalope|Ubuntu 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 basic ''Add/Remove Applications'' or with the [[Synaptic Package Manager]]. The [[Software Updater]] provided updating for installed packages and ''Computer Janitor'' cleaned up packages that were no longer needed. The ''Software Sources'' application allowed user selection of the package download location.<ref name="UbuntuWiki">{{cite web|url = https://wiki.ubuntu.com/SoftwareCenter|title = SoftwareCenter|accessdate = 31 May 2011|last = [[Canonical Ltd.]]|authorlink = |date=April 2011}}</ref>
In early 2009 Ubuntu developers noted that package management within Ubuntu could be improved and consolidated. Recent releases of Ubuntu, such as [[Ubuntu version history#0904|Ubuntu 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 basic ''Add/Remove Applications'' or with the [[Synaptic (software)|Synaptic Package Manager]]. The [[Software Updater]] provided updating for installed packages and ''Computer Janitor'' cleaned up packages that were no longer needed. The ''Software Sources'' application allowed user selection of the package download location.<ref name="UbuntuWiki">{{Cite web|url = https://wiki.ubuntu.com/SoftwareCenter|title = Software Center | publisher=[[Canonical (company)|Canonical Ltd.]]| date=April 2011 }}</ref>


Ubuntu developers set as a goal:
Ubuntu developers set as a goal:
⚫
{{Blockquote| style=font-size:100% |"...&nbsp;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."<ref name="UbuntuWiki" />}}


⚫
Canonical introduced the Software Center gradually, starting with [[Ubuntu version history#0910|Ubuntu 9.10]] (''Karmic Koala'') with complete functionality expected by Ubuntu 11.10, in October 2011. By May 2011, the plan had mostly been completed:<ref name="UbuntuWiki" />
⚫
{{quotation|"...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."<ref name="UbuntuWiki"/> }}


;October 2009&nbsp;— version 1.0.2 shipped with [[Ubuntu version history#0910|Ubuntu 9.10]] (''Karmic Koala'')
⚫
Canonical introduced the Software Center gradually starting with [[Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala|Ubuntu 9.10 (''Karmic Koala'')]] with complete functionality expected by Ubuntu 11.10, in October 2011. By May 2011, the plan had mostly been completed:<ref name="UbuntuWiki" />
⚫
:Introduced a new simple interface for locating, installing, and removing software, with better security based on [[Polkit|PolicyKit]] instead of [[sudo|gksudo]].<ref name="UbuntuWiki" />

;October 2009 - version 1.0.2 shipped with [[Ubuntu 9.10]] (''Karmic Koala'')
;April 2010&nbsp;— version 2.0.2 shipped with [[Ubuntu version history#1004|Ubuntu 10.04]] (''Lucid Lynx'') LTS
⚫
:The Software Center added lists of non-application packages in a simplified manner and also provide subcategories for applications and [[Ubuntu#Package Archives|Personal Package Archives]].<ref name="UbuntuWiki" />
⚫
:Introduced a new simple interface for locating, installing, and removing software, with better security based on [[PolicyKit]] instead of [[gksudo]].<ref name="UbuntuWiki" />
;April 2010 - version 2.0.2 shipped with [[Ubuntu 10.04]] (''Lucid Lynx'') LTS
;October 2010&nbsp;— version 3.0.4 shipped with [[Ubuntu version history#1010|Ubuntu 10.10]] (''Maverick Meerkat'')
:Allowed users to purchase software and showed a history of past installations, removals and purchases, including undoing specific changes.<ref name="UbuntuWiki" /><ref name="OMG29Oct10">{{Cite news|url = https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2010/10/ubuntu-software-center-ratings-and-reviews-to-come-by-christmas/|title = Ubuntu Software Center ratings and reviews to come by Christmas|last = Akshat|date=October 2010| work = OMG Ubuntu}}</ref>
⚫
:The Software Center added lists of non-application packages in a simplified manner and also provide subcategories for applications and [[Personal Package Archive]]s.<ref name="UbuntuWiki" />
;October 2010 - version 3.0.4 shipped with [[Ubuntu 10.10]] (''Maverick Meerkat'')
;April 2011&nbsp;— version 4.0 shipped with [[Ubuntu version history#1104|Ubuntu 11.04]] (''Natty Narwhal'')
:Allowed users to purchase software and showed a history of past installations, removals and purchases, including undoing specific changes.<ref name="UbuntuWiki" /><ref name="OMG29Oct10">{{Cite news|url = http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2010/10/ubuntu-software-center-ratings-and-reviews-to-come-by-christmas/|title = Ubuntu Software Center ratings and reviews to come by Christmas|accessdate = 30 October 2010|last = Akshat|authorlink = |date=October 2010| work = OMG Ubuntu}}</ref>
:Added user rating and reviewing software, and the ability to see ratings and reviews of other participating Ubuntu users.<ref name="UbuntuWiki" /><ref name="LaunchpadHist">{{Cite web|url = https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/software-center/+publishinghistory|title = Publishing history of "software-center" package in Ubuntu | publisher=[[Canonical (company)|Canonical Ltd.]] |date=May 2011}}</ref>
;April 2011 - version 4.0 shipped with [[Ubuntu 11.04]] (''Natty Narwhal'')
;October 2011&nbsp;— [[Ubuntu version history#1110|Ubuntu 11.10]] (''Oneiric Ocelot'')
⚫
:Software Center's fifth version was rewritten in GTK3, improving design (better integration with system theme, promoting banner added, nicer listing of apps), start-up time was improved too. Software Center was partially prepared for touch control by including larger icons. Software Center also brought Unity Launcher integration, sorting by ratings and system requirements for applications.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/05/ubuntu-software-centre-changes-for-oneiric/Ubuntu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329044243/http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/05/ubuntu-software-centre-changes-for-oneiric/Ubuntu|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 March 2012|title=Software centre changes planned for Oneiric|author=Joey Sneddon|date=13 May 2011}}</ref> Some [[Debian#GDEBI|GDebi]] technology was also integrated to improve speed when handling [[deb (file format)|.deb]] files.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiki.ubuntu.com/OneiricOcelot/TechnicalOverview|title=Technical Overview}}</ref>
:Added user rating and reviewing software, and the ability to see ratings and reviews of other participating Ubuntu users.<ref name="UbuntuWiki" /><ref name="LaunchpadHist">{{cite web|url = https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/software-center/+publishinghistory|title = Publishing history of "software-center" package in Ubuntu|accessdate = 31 May 2011|last = [[Canonical Ltd.]]|authorlink = |date=May 2011}}</ref>
;October 2011 - [[Ubuntu 11.10]] (''Oneiric Ocelot'')
⚫
:Software Center's fifth version was rewritten in GTK3, improving design (better integration with system theme, promoting banner added, nicer listing of apps), start-up time was improved too. Software Center was partially prepared for touch control by including larger icons. Software Center also brought Unity Launcher integration, sorting by ratings and system requirements for applications.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/05/ubuntu-software-centre-changes-for-oneiric/Ubuntu|title=Software centre changes planned for Oneiric|author=Joey Sneddon|date=May 13, 2011}}</ref> Some [[GDebi]] technology was also integrated to improve speed when handling [[deb (file format)|.deb]] files.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wiki.ubuntu.com/OneiricOcelot/TechnicalOverview|title=Technical Overview}}</ref>
;19 December 2011
;19 December 2011
:an online edition of the Ubuntu Software Center was released, the ''Ubuntu Apps Directory''. The web store shows the same content as the Software Center application, with a download button that opens the application if running Ubuntu or a link to download Ubuntu itself if running a different operating system.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sneddon|first=Joey|date=19 December 2011|url=http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/12/how-to-browse-the-ubuntu-software-centre-online/|title=Ubuntu Apps Directory|accessdate=18 April 2012}}</ref>
:An online edition of the Ubuntu Software Center was released, the ''Ubuntu Apps Directory''. The Web store shows the same content as the Software Center application, with a download button that opens the application if running Ubuntu or a link to download the Ubuntu operating system installer if running a different operating system.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sneddon|first=Joey|date=19 December 2011|url=https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/12/how-to-browse-the-ubuntu-software-centre-online/|title=Ubuntu Apps Directory}}</ref>
;April 2012 - [[Ubuntu 12.04]] (''Precise Pangolin'')
;April 2012&nbsp;— [[Ubuntu version history#1204|Ubuntu 12.04]] (''Precise Pangolin'')
:Ubuntu Software Center gained new monochrome elements.<ref>{{cite web|title=Precise's Ubuntu Software Center gains monochrome elements|url=http://iloveubuntu.net/precises-ubuntu-software-center-gains-monochrome-elements|accessdate=2012-06-17}}</ref> Canonical created a web based developer platform to help programmers to create applications for Ubuntu.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ubuntu App Developer|url=http://developer.ubuntu.com|accessdate=2012-06-17}}</ref> Software Center included a new category: "Books and magazines", ability to show video presentations of paid applications and multiple screenshots per one app.<ref>{{cite web|title=Video playback inside Ubuntu Software Center has landed in Ubuntu 12.04|url=http://iloveubuntu.net/video-playback-inside-ubuntu-software-center-has-landed-ubuntu-1204|accessdate=2012-06-17}}</ref> And also added progress bar support for Software Centre.<ref>{{cite web|title=Precise's Ubuntu Software Center gained progressbar support|url=http://iloveubuntu.net/precises-ubuntu-software-center-gained-progressbar-support|accessdate=2012-06-17}}</ref>
:Ubuntu Software Center gained new monochrome elements.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Precise's Ubuntu Software Center gains monochrome elements|url=http://iloveubuntu.net/precises-ubuntu-software-center-gains-monochrome-elements|access-date=2012-06-17|archive-date=21 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621103421/http://iloveubuntu.net/precises-ubuntu-software-center-gains-monochrome-elements|url-status=dead}}</ref> Canonical created a Web-based developer platform to help programmers to create applications for Ubuntu.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ubuntu App Developer|url=http://developer.ubuntu.com|access-date=2012-06-17}}</ref> Software Center included a new category: "Books and magazines", ability to show video presentations of paid applications and multiple screenshots per one app.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Video playback inside Ubuntu Software Center has landed in Ubuntu 12.04|url=http://iloveubuntu.net/video-playback-inside-ubuntu-software-center-has-landed-ubuntu-1204|access-date=2012-06-17|archive-date=26 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526093606/http://iloveubuntu.net/video-playback-inside-ubuntu-software-center-has-landed-ubuntu-1204|url-status=dead}}</ref> And also added progress bar support for Software Centre.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Precise's Ubuntu Software Center gained progressbar support|url=http://iloveubuntu.net/precises-ubuntu-software-center-gained-progressbar-support|access-date=2012-06-17|archive-date=30 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330031142/http://iloveubuntu.net/precises-ubuntu-software-center-gained-progressbar-support|url-status=dead}}</ref>


In August 2015 Chris Hoffman of [[PCWorld]] 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2974148/software/canonical-is-letting-the-ubuntu-software-center-wither-and-die.html|title=Canonical is letting the Ubuntu Software Center wither and die|author=Chris Hoffman|date=22 August 2015|work=[[PCWorld]]|accessdate=25 August 2015}}</ref>
In August 2015 Chris Hoffman of ''[[PC 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2974148/software/canonical-is-letting-the-ubuntu-software-center-wither-and-die.html|title=Canonical is letting the Ubuntu Software Center wither and die|author=Chris Hoffman|date=22 August 2015|work=[[PC World]]}}</ref>


In November 2015 Canonical announced that development would end and the application would be replaced by [[GNOME Software]] in [[Ubuntu 16.04 LTS]].<ref name ="Tran04Nov25"/><ref name="silviustahie"/>
In November 2015 Canonical announced that development would end and the application would be replaced by [[GNOME Software]] in [[Ubuntu version history#1604|Ubuntu 16.04 LTS]].<ref name ="Tran04Nov25" /><ref name="silviustahie" />


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Free software}}
{{Portal|Free and open-source software}}
* [[Ubuntu One]]
* [[Ubuntu One]]

* [[Software Updater]] - the system updater for Ubuntu.
===APT graphical front ends===
Other example of a high-level graphical front end for [[Advanced Packaging Tool|APT]]
Other examples of a high-level graphical front end for [[APT (Package Manager)|APT]]:
* [[Apper]]
* [[Apper]]
* [[AppStream]]
* [[AppStream]]
Line 83: Line 84:


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Ubuntu Software Center}}
{{Commons category|Ubuntu Software Center}}
* [https://apps.ubuntu.com/cat/ Ubuntu Apps Directory]
* [https://apps.ubuntu.com/cat/ Ubuntu Apps Directory]
* {{URL|https://wiki.ubuntu.com/SoftwareCenter}}
* [https://wiki.ubuntu.com/SoftwareCenter wiki.ubuntu.com/SoftwareCenter]
* [https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/software-center Ubuntu Software Center versions history]
* [https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/software-center Ubuntu Software Center versions history]


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[[Category:Linux package management-related software]]
[[Category:Linux package management-related software]]
[[Category:Linux PMS graphical front-ends]]
[[Category:Linux PMS graphical front-ends]]
[[Category:Package management software that uses GTK+]]
[[Category:Package management software that uses GTK]]
[[Category:Software distribution platforms]]
[[Category:Software distribution platforms]]
[[Category:Software that uses PyGObject]]
[[Category:Software that uses PyGObject]]
[[Category:Ubuntu (operating system)]]
[[Category:Ubuntu]]
[[Category:Software using the GPL license]]
[[Category:Software using the LGPL license]]

Latest revision as of 00:39, 11 March 2024

Not to be confused with Ubuntu Software.

Ubuntu Software Center
Original author(s)Canonical Ltd. / Ubuntu Foundation
Developer(s)Canonical Ltd.
Initial release29 October 2009; 14 years ago (2009-10-29)
Final release
16.04 / 20 April 2016; 8 years ago (2016-04-20)
Repository
Written inPython
PlatformUbuntu Desktop Edition 9.10 and later
Ubuntu Touch 1.0 and higher
TypeDigital distribution (Apps, Books)
Package manager
LicenseGPLv3, LGPLv3
Websiteapps.ubuntu.com/cat/
launchpad.net/software-center

Ubuntu Software Center, or simply Software Center, is a discontinued high-level graphical front end for the APT/dpkg package management system. It is free software written in Python, PyGTK/PyGObject based on GTK.

The program was created for adding and managing repositories, as well as Ubuntu Personal Package Archives (PPA) and on Ubuntu, the Ubuntu Software Center also allowed users to purchase commercial applications.[1]

Development was ended in 2015 and in Ubuntu 16.04 LTS. It was replaced with GNOME Software.[2][3]

Development history

[edit]

In early 2009 Ubuntu developers noted that package management within Ubuntu could be improved and consolidated. Recent releases of Ubuntu, such as Ubuntu 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 basic Add/Remove Applications or with the Synaptic Package Manager. The Software Updater provided updating for installed packages and Computer Janitor cleaned up packages that were no longer needed. The Software 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 with Ubuntu 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]

October 2009 — version 1.0.2 shipped with Ubuntu 9.10 (Karmic Koala)
Introduced a new simple interface for locating, installing, and removing software, with better security based on PolicyKit instead of gksudo.[4]
April 2010 — version 2.0.2 shipped with Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx) LTS
The Software Center added lists of non-application packages in a simplified manner and also provide subcategories for applications and Personal Package Archives.[4]
October 2010 — version 3.0.4 shipped with Ubuntu 10.10 (Maverick Meerkat)
Allowed users to purchase software and showed a history of past installations, removals and purchases, including undoing specific changes.[4][5]
April 2011 — version 4.0 shipped with Ubuntu 11.04 (Natty Narwhal)
Added user rating and reviewing software, and the ability to see ratings and reviews of other participating Ubuntu users.[4][6]
October 2011 — Ubuntu 11.10 (Oneiric Ocelot)
Software Center's fifth version was rewritten in GTK3, improving design (better integration with system theme, promoting banner added, nicer listing of apps), start-up time was improved too. Software Center was partially prepared for touch control by including larger icons. Software Center also brought Unity Launcher integration, sorting by ratings and system requirements for applications.[7] Some GDebi technology was also integrated to improve speed when handling .deb files.[8]
19 December 2011
An online edition of the Ubuntu Software Center was released, the Ubuntu Apps Directory. The Web store shows the same content as the Software Center application, with a download button that opens the application if running Ubuntu or a link to download the Ubuntu operating system installer if running a different operating system.[9]
April 2012 — Ubuntu 12.04 (Precise Pangolin)
Ubuntu Software Center gained new monochrome elements.[10] Canonical created a Web-based developer platform to help programmers to create applications for Ubuntu.[11] Software Center included a new category: "Books and magazines", ability to show video presentations of paid applications and multiple screenshots per one app.[12] And also added progress bar support for Software Centre.[13]

In August 2015 Chris Hoffman of PC 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 by GNOME Software in Ubuntu 16.04 LTS.[2][3]

See also

[edit]

APT graphical front ends

[edit]

Other examples of a high-level graphical front end for APT:

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Canonical Store". Shop.canonical.com. Retrieved 7 August 2013.
  2. ^ a b Sam Tran (4 November 2015). "Ubuntu Software Centre To Be Replaced in 16.04 LTS". OMG! Ubuntu!.
  3. ^ a b Silviu Stahie (5 November 2015). "Ubuntu 16.04 LTS to Drop Ubuntu Software Center for GNOME Software". Softpedia.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g "Software Center". Canonical Ltd. April 2011.
  5. ^ Akshat (October 2010). "Ubuntu Software Center ratings and reviews to come by Christmas". OMG Ubuntu.
  6. ^ "Publishing history of "software-center" package in Ubuntu". Canonical Ltd. May 2011.
  7. ^ Joey Sneddon (13 May 2011). "Software centre changes planned for Oneiric". Archived from the original on 29 March 2012.
  8. ^ "Technical Overview".
  9. ^ Sneddon, Joey (19 December 2011). "Ubuntu Apps Directory".
  10. ^ "Precise's Ubuntu Software Center gains monochrome elements". Archived from the original on 21 June 2012. Retrieved 17 June 2012.
  11. ^ "Ubuntu App Developer". Retrieved 17 June 2012.
  12. ^ "Video playback inside Ubuntu Software Center has landed in Ubuntu 12.04". Archived from the original on 26 May 2012. Retrieved 17 June 2012.
  13. ^ "Precise's Ubuntu Software Center gained progressbar support". Archived from the original on 30 March 2012. Retrieved 17 June 2012.
  14. ^ Chris Hoffman (22 August 2015). "Canonical is letting the Ubuntu Software Center wither and die". PC World.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ubuntu Software Center.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ubuntu_Software_Center&oldid=1213071827"