How to Install bpftool Command in Linux Using sudo apt

Updated on: June 30, 2025

What is bpftool?

bpftool is a powerful utility used to inspect and manipulate programs and maps related to eBPF (Extended Berkeley Packet Filter) on Linux systems. It is an essential tool for developers and system administrators working with networking, observability, and performance monitoring in the Linux kernel.

Why You Might Need bpftool

• To list and load eBPF programs.
• To inspect BPF maps and pins.
• To debug and monitor kernel activities.

Steps to Install bpftool Using sudo apt on Ubuntu/Debian

Follow these simple steps to install bpftool on your Linux system using the terminal:

🔹 Step 1: Update Your Package List

sudo apt update

This ensures you’re installing the latest available packages.

🔹 Step 2: Install bpftool

sudo apt install bpftool

This command installs the bpftool package from Ubuntu’s official repository.

🔹 Step 3: Verify Installation

bpftool version

You should see output like: bpftool v7.6 or similar, confirming a successful installation.

Alternative: Build from Source (Optional)

If you need the latest version of bpftool, you can also compile it from the Linux source:

sudo apt install -y git clang llvm libelf-dev gcc make libbpf-dev
git clone --depth 1 https://github.com/libbpf/bpftool.git
cd bpftool/src
make
sudo make install
    

This method is useful if your distro doesn’t include the latest release.

Common Errors and Fixes

• Error: E: Unable to locate package bpftool
  Fix: Ensure you’re on Ubuntu 20.04+ or Debian Bullseye+. Update your repositories.
• Error: bpftool: command not found
  Fix: Run sudo apt install bpftool again or check if your path is correct.

Conclusion

Installing bpftool on Linux using sudo apt is quick and straightforward. Whether you’re a system administrator or developer, having bpftool in your toolkit enables powerful insights and control over eBPF programs. Keep your system updated and explore more with eBPF!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is bpftool available for all Linux distributions? No, it’s primarily available on Debian-based systems like Ubuntu. For other distributions, you may need to build it from source. What is the minimum Ubuntu version to use bpftool? Ubuntu 20.04 or higher is recommended for built-in bpftool support via apt. Can I use bpftool without root? Some operations require root privileges due to kernel access. It’s recommended to run with sudo. Where can I learn more about eBPF? Visit the official site at https://ebpf.io for tutorials and documentation.

Posted by: Rahul kumar