How to Use `paru` as an AUR Helper on Arch Linux

Arch Linux is well known for its simplicity, transparency, and the flexibility it offers. One of its most powerful features is the Arch User Repository (AUR), a community-driven collection of user-submitted package build scripts. While the AUR allows access to a massive range of software not found in the official repositories, managing these packages manually can be time-consuming and error-prone. This is where AUR helpers like paru come into play.

In this article, we’ll walk through how to install, configure, and use paru, a modern and efficient AUR helper that simplifies package management while maintaining close compatibility with the pacman command-line interface.

What is paru?

paru is a feature-rich, Rust-based AUR helper developed as a successor to yay. It aims to provide an easy-to-use interface that closely mimics pacman, while offering additional functionality for searching, installing, updating, and managing AUR packages.

Key Features of paru

• Seamless integration with pacman
• Interactive search with color-coded output
• Intelligent AUR handling with dependency resolution
• Prompt customization
• Minimal user input required for most operations
• Maintains a cache for previously built packages
• Supports sudo loop, file inspection, and editing PKGBUILDs

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure your system is up to date and you have the essential base-devel tools required for building AUR packages.

Step 1: Update Your System

sudo pacman -Syu

Step 2: Install Required Tools

The base-devel group contains compilers and essential utilities needed to build packages from source.

sudo pacman -S --needed base-devel git

Installing paru

Since paru is itself in the AUR, it must be installed manually (or with another helper, but we’ll assume a clean start). Here’s how to install it without an AUR helper:

Step 1: Clone the Repository

git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/paru.git
cd paru

Step 2: Build and Install

makepkg -si

This command will build the paru package and install it using pacman. It may prompt for dependencies or confirmation—just follow the prompts.

Basic Usage of paru

Once installed, paru behaves similarly to pacman, but with added support for AUR packages.

1. Search for Packages

You can search for both official and AUR packages with the same command:

paru -Ss <package-name>

For example:

paru -Ss google-chrome

This will show results from both the official repositories and the AUR, clearly labeled so you can distinguish between the two.

2. Install Packages

To install a package from either source, use:

paru -S <package-name>

Example:

paru -S google-chrome

If the package is from the AUR, paru will automatically clone the build files, resolve dependencies, and compile the package.

3. Remove Packages

Removing packages is also the same as with pacman:

paru -Rns <package-name>

This removes the package and its unused dependencies.

4. Update System

One of the most useful features is how paru updates both official and AUR packages:

paru -Syu

To skip AUR updates:

paru -Syu --noconfirm --no-aur

To update only AUR packages:

paru -Sua

Advanced Features

paru includes several thoughtful features that enhance user experience, especially for advanced users and frequent updaters.

1. Edit PKGBUILD Before Building

If you want to inspect or modify the PKGBUILD file before installing:

paru -S <package-name> --edit

This opens the build files in your default editor so you can check for malicious code or change build options.

2. View Differences During Update

When updating, paru can show you the differences in PKGBUILDs for AUR packages:

paru -Syu --diff

This is great for staying informed about changes in packages you’ve built before.

3. Disable Confirmation Prompts

For batch scripts or experienced users:

paru -Syu --noconfirm

Be cautious—this skips prompts and builds automatically, so it should only be used if you’re confident about what you’re installing.

4. Color-Coded Output

paru offers colorized output for better readability. By default, it uses a minimal interactive interface, but you can customize this behavior in the config file (covered next).

Configuration and Customization

paru uses a configuration file located at:

~/.config/paru/paru.conf

You can customize options such as:

• Prompt format
• Default behavior (e.g., always skip confirmation)
• Color themes
• Editor for PKGBUILD review

Example config snippet:

# Use a different editor
Editor = nano

# Disable editing PKGBUILD by default
NoEdit = true

# Enable colored output
Color = true

To make changes, just edit the file:

nano ~/.config/paru/paru.conf

After saving, the changes will apply on the next run.

Security Considerations

Because AUR packages are created and maintained by users, there’s always a potential risk. paru helps mitigate this by allowing you to review the build files before installation.

Best Practices:

• Always inspect PKGBUILDs of untrusted packages.
• Avoid using --noconfirm blindly for AUR packages.
• Stick to popular and well-maintained AUR packages.
• Use --edit to modify or review build scripts if needed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to resolve them:

1. Missing Dependencies

Sometimes an AUR package may depend on another AUR package. paru usually resolves this, but if something goes wrong:

paru -Syu --devel

This will force rechecking and updating development/AUR dependencies.

2. GPG Signature Errors

If a GPG key is missing:

gpg --recv-keys <KEYID>

You can find the key ID in the error message.

3. Build Failures

Occasionally, an AUR package won’t build due to upstream changes or outdated dependencies.

• Check the AUR comments section for patches or updated instructions.
• Use --edit to manually adjust the PKGBUILD.
• Wait for a maintainer to fix it or flag the package as out of date.

Comparing paru with Other AUR Helpers

There are many AUR helpers—yay, trizen, pikaur, to name a few. Here’s how paru stacks up:

In general, paru is considered a modern and secure alternative with fast performance and user-friendly features.

Conclusion

paru stands out as a powerful and efficient AUR helper that simplifies the experience of managing user-submitted packages on Arch Linux. Whether you’re a beginner learning how to navigate the AUR or a seasoned Arch user looking for better performance and security, paru provides a flexible and robust toolset.

By mimicking the pacman interface, offering color-coded interactive searches, and supporting deep customization, paru allows you to make the most of the Arch ecosystem without compromising control or safety.

Give it a try—you might find it becomes an essential part of your daily Arch workflow.