Description: Package masking is a process used in Linux-based operating systems that allows users to prevent certain software packages from being installed or updated. This mechanism is particularly useful in environments where stability and compatibility are critical, as it enables system administrators to precisely control which software versions run on their systems. By masking a package, the package manager is instructed to ignore that specific package during installation and update operations, helping to prevent dependency conflicts and compatibility issues. Masking can be applied to individual packages or groups of packages, and it can be done temporarily or permanently, depending on the user’s needs. This functionality is an integral part of package management in various Linux distributions, allowing users to customize their software environment according to their specific preferences and requirements.
