Using Pi-Apps via the Command Line

  • Each 'App' is simply a small install script, uninstall script, two icon sizes, and two text files containing the description and a website URL.
  • Each App is stored in its own separate directory. ~/pi-apps/apps/ holds all these app directories. The Zoom app, for example, would be located at ~/pi-apps/apps/Zoom/.
  • Because of the contained nature of each app folder, it's really easy to 'package' your own apps: just put the folder in a ZIP file and send it to friends. (or upload it as a new issue so your app can be added to Pi-Apps)
  • When you click Install, the selected App's install script is executed. (Or, in some cases, the install-32 or install-64 script is executed.)
  • When you click Uninstall, the selected App's uninstall script is executed.

Terminal usage

  • The manage script is similar to apt-get - it handles installing apps, uninstalling them, keeping them updated, and more. Manage does not include a GUI, but in one case, a dialog will ask if you really want to install the same app twice.
    • To install an app, run this:
      ~/pi-apps/manage install Zoom
    • To uninstall an app:
      ~/pi-apps/manage uninstall Zoom
    • To update a single app:
      ~/pi-apps/manage update Zoom
      Note that if an app is up-to-date, no files will be moved around.
    • To check all apps for updates:
      ~/pi-apps/manage check-all
      This command will return a list of updatable apps, separated by the | character.
    • To update all apps:
      ~/pi-apps/manage update-all
      Please note that this will not update the Pi-Apps main scripts! It only updates your apps and that's an important distinction.
    • To update everything:
      ~/pi-apps/updater
  • To list all apps:
    ls ~/pi-apps/apps
    Note that this will also list the template app, which is usually hidden.

Pages in Getting Started: