What is the command associated with handling .deb files?

The command associated with handling .deb files is dpkg. This command is specifically designed for managing Debian packages, which use the .deb file format. It provides functionality for installing, removing, and managing software packages on Debian-based systems, such as Ubuntu and Debian itself.

Using dpkg allows users to perform low-level package management tasks, like installing a package from a .deb file or querying information about installed packages. It’s essential to understand that dpkg operates directly on these .deb files, making it suitable for package handling in Debian-based distributions.

In contrast, commands like apt are higher-level tools that manage packages but interact with dpkg in the background, using repositories and handling dependencies automatically. YUM and RPM are associated with Red Hat-based systems, managing .rpm files instead of .deb files. This command’s specific focus and functionality align perfectly with the requirements for handling .deb files effectively.