apk-search(8) System Manager's Manual apk-search(8)

# [NAME](#NAME)

apk search - search for packages by name or description

# [SYNOPSIS](#SYNOPSIS)

**apk search** \[<*options*>...] *pattern*...

# [DESCRIPTION](#DESCRIPTION)

**apk search** searches all repositories for packages matching at least one pattern. If no pattern is given, it lists all packages in the configured repositories (see [**apk-repositories**(5)](/man/os/apk-tools/apk-repositories.5)). A pattern matches if it is a case-insensitive substring of the package name.

# [OPTIONS](#OPTIONS)

In addition to the global options (see [**apk**(8)](/man/os/apk-tools/apk.8)), **apk search** supports the following options:

**-a, --all**

Print all matching package versions. By default, **apk** only shows the latest version.

**-d, --description**

Also search for *pattern* in the package description. By default, **apk** does not search package descriptions.

**-e, -x, --exact**

Match package names exactly.

**--has-origin**

Match by package origin. Shows all packages whose base package name matches *pattern* exactly. Implies **--all** and **--exact**.

**-o, --origin**

Print base package name.

**-r, --rdepends**

Print reverse dependencies (other packages which depend on the package).

2026-11-03

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Document: apk-search(8) from apk-tools 2.14.13-r0 (Chainguard OS)
Source: https://gitlab.alpinelinux.org/alpine/apk-tools.git