Opera Browser is a fast, secure, and feature-rich web browser that offers a unique browsing experience with built-in tools such as a free VPN, ad blocker, and social media integration. It’s available in multiple versions, including stable, beta, and developer builds, catering to different user needs—whether you prefer a reliable everyday browser or want to test the latest features before they are officially released.
On Debian 12 or 11, you can install Opera Browser using the official Opera RPM repository, which is tailored to provide the latest stable, beta, and developer builds. This method ensures that your browser stays up-to-date with the latest enhancements and security updates directly from Opera. This guide will walk you through the process of adding Opera’s official RPM repository to your system and installing the version of Opera that best suits your needs.
Update Debian Before Opera Browser Installation
First, update your Debian system to prevent any issues during installation:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeThe “apt update” command retrieves package information from the configured sources, while “apt upgrade” installs the latest versions of all packages currently installed on your system.
Install Required Packages For Opera Installation
Next, you’ll need to install some dependencies to facilitate the Opera Browser installation. Run the following command:
sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https curl ca-certificates -yThis command installs the required packages:
- software-properties-common: Provides an abstraction of the used apt repositories, simplifying repository management.
- apt-transport-https: Enables the use of repositories accessed via the HTTPS protocol.
- curl: A command-line tool for transferring data with URLs.
- ca-certificates: Contains the CA certificates needed for package verification.
These are common and safe software packages found on nearly all Linux distributions.
Import Opera APT Repository
Before importing the Opera repository, you’ll need to import the GPG key to verify the authenticity of the installed packages. This ensures you’re installing genuine packages from the official source. Use the following command to import the GPG key:
curl -fSsL https://deb.opera.com/archive.key | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/opera.gpg > /dev/nullThis command downloads the GPG key using curl, processes it with gpg –dearmor, and saves it to the /usr/share/keyrings/opera.gpg file.
Next, import the Opera repository with the following command:
echo deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/opera.gpg] https://deb.opera.com/opera-stable/ stable non-free | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/opera.listThis command creates a new repository file /etc/apt/sources.list.d/opera.list with the appropriate content pointing to the Opera repository.
Update APT Package Index After Opera Repo Import
After adding the Opera repository, update the package list, which is essential and cannot be skipped:
sudo apt updateThis command ensures your system is aware of the latest packages available from the Opera repository, allowing you to install the desired version of the Opera browser.
Finalize the Opera Browser Installation Process
Once you have imported the repository, you can install the Opera browser. You can select to install stable, beta, or developer browser builds or all three, as they share separate installations.
Stable build install command for Opera Browser
As you have already updated the repository list in the previous section, you can directly install the stable version of Opera with the following command:
sudo apt install opera-stableDuring the installation, you may be prompted to configure Opera to allow for more recent version upgrades. It is essential to select “NO” and press the “ENTER KEY” to finish the installation. Choosing “YES” may lead to multiple conflicts during future updates. If you encounter issues, refer to the troubleshooting section at the end of the tutorial.
Note: Remember that this prompt will appear for each version (stable, beta, and developer) you install. Always select “NO” to avoid issues with importing the source.list multiple times.
Beta build install command for Opera Browser
To install Opera’s beta version with new features, use this command:
sudo apt install opera-betaPlease note that the beta version may not always be ahead of the stable version, depending on Opera’s release cycle. You could end up with an older client, so exercise caution when using the beta version.
Developer build install command for Opera Browser
The developer version of Opera is available for those interested in trying out the bleeding-edge features and improvements. To install the developer version, run the following command:
sudo apt install opera-developerRemember that the developer version is experimental and may be unstable or contain bugs. It is not recommended for daily use or in critical environments.
Launch Opera Browser
CLI Commands to Launch Opera Browser
You can start Opera directly from the terminal by using the appropriate command for the version you installed:
Stable command:
operaBeta command:
opera-betaDeveloper:
opera-developerGUI Method to Launch Opera Browser
You can launch it from your desktop environment for a more user-friendly way to start Opera. Depending on the version you installed, follow the path below:
- Click on Activities in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Select Show Applications (usually represented by a grid icon) at the bottom of the sidebar.
- Search for “Opera” in the search bar or locate the Opera icon for the version you want to launch (Stable, Beta, or Developer).
- Click on the appropriate Opera {version} icon to start the browser.
Additional Commands For Opera Browser
Update Opera Browser
While most desktop users rely on automatic updates or auto-update notifications, it’s essential to know how to update the Opera Browser manually using the terminal. To check for updates, first, update your system’s package list:
sudo apt updateIf an update is available, use the upgrade option:
sudo apt upgradeAlternatively, you can upgrade only the Opera Browser package if an update is available. Replace {version} with -stable, -beta, or -developer, depending on the version you have installed:
sudo apt upgrade opera-{version}Remove Opera Browser
To remove the Opera Browser, execute the appropriate terminal command based on the version you want to uninstall:
sudo apt remove opera-stablesudo apt remove opera-betasudo apt remove opera-developerRemove Opera Repository and GPG Key
If you no longer plan to install or use the Opera Browser on your system, removing the Opera Repository and GPG key is a good idea. To delete the Opera Repository, execute:
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/opera.listFinally, delete the GPG key.
sudo rm /usr/share/keyrings/opera.gpgFix Opera Multiple Sources.list Issues on Debian
Identifying and Resolving Opera Browser Source List Conflicts
When running multiple versions of Opera Browser (such as stable, beta, and developer) on your Debian system, you may encounter issues during the apt update process. These complications typically stem from each version of Opera adding its own source list in the /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ directory.
Consolidating Sources Lists
To resolve these issues, begin by removing any redundant source lists, ensuring the preservation of the primary list. Use the following command to delete extra lists:
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/opera*In the event of accidentally removing all source lists, you can restore the Opera repository using this command:
echo deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/opera.gpg] https://deb.opera.com/opera-stable/ stable non-free | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/opera.listThis command reinstates the Opera stable repository. It specifies the architecture (amd64), the keyring for security verification, and the repository URL.
Updating APT Package Information
Having streamlined your sources list, the next step is to refresh APT’s package information to reflect these changes:
sudo apt updateThis command updates APT’s database, ensuring it retrieves package information from the correct, consolidated sources list.
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve navigated the essentials of managing Opera Browser’s multiple versions on your Debian system, focusing on consolidating source lists and ensuring smooth updates. Remember, keeping your sources list organized is key to maintaining a stable and efficient browser setup. If you ever find yourself juggling between different Opera builds, revisit these steps to streamline the process. As a final tip, regularly check for updates and stay informed about new Opera features to enhance your browsing experience. Happy browsing!