# Inside your image build script pkg download -o /var/cache/pkg/ vim-lite tmux zsh git-lite
But there is a powerful, often overlooked command in the pkg suite that decouples the of software from the installation of software: pkg download .
Developers often use the make command to manage these downloads automatically. make -download Use code with caution. pkg download
By decoupling the fetch from the install, pkg download gives you control over time (instant rollbacks), space (local mirrors), and security (air-gapped updates). It is a command that belongs in the toolbox of every serious FreeBSD administrator.
Understanding pkg download is the difference between merely using FreeBSD and architecting robust FreeBSD infrastructure. It unlocks workflows for offline systems, creates golden images for provisioning, and ensures safety during risky upgrades. # Inside your image build script pkg download
Here, the -o flag is the hero. It redirects the output to a specific directory (your USB stick or shared NFS mount).
With pkg download , you can stage a "rollback" before you even begin. By decoupling the fetch from the install, pkg
In the world of computing and digital content distribution, a is a versatile container format used to distribute, install, or update software. Whether you are a system administrator managing Apple devices, a console gamer looking for homebrew tools, or an engineer deploying embedded Linux, understanding how to securely perform a pkg download and install it is essential.
Alternatively, you can use a file containing a list of package names:
pkg download package1 package2 package3
If you are building a VM image (e.g., for AWS EC2 or a bhyve VM), you can pre-seed the package cache.