软件包管理系统是在电脑中自动安装、配制、卸载和升级软件包的工具组合，在各种系统软件和应用软件的安装管理中均有广泛应用。

在Linux发行版中，几乎每一个发行版都有自己的软件包管理系统。常见有: 管理deb软件包的dpkg以及它的前端apt（使用于Debian、Ubuntu）。 rpm以及它的前端yum（使用于Fedora）、前端ZYpp（使用于openSUSE）、 前端urpmi（使用于Mandriva Linux、Mageia）等。使用软件包管理系统将大大简化在Linux发行版中安装软件的过程。

A package manager or package management system is a collection of software tools that automates the process of installing, upgrading, configuring, and removing computer programs for a computer's operating system in a consistent manner. A package manager deals with packages, distributions of software and data in archive files. Packages contain metadata, such as the software's name, description of its purpose, version number, vendor, checksum, and a list of dependencies necessary for the software to run properly. Upon installation, metadata is stored in a local package database. Package managers typically maintain a database of software dependencies and version information to prevent software mismatches and missing prerequisites. They work closely with software repositories and app stores.