Shelly ALPM 3.1.4 updates Arch Linux package management

Shelly ALPM, a graphical package manager for Arch Linux, has released version 3.1.4, codenamed ‘A Slice of Builds’. The update introduces several improvements to its native package builder, enhancing its ability to handle complex PKGBUILDs by addressing issues with SOURCE_DATE_EPOCH timestamps, shell parsing, and shared source filenames.

A significant new feature is the --aur-cache flag, which allows users to reclaim disk space by previewing and deleting cached AUR package archives and their signatures. The release also introduces Shellystrap, a project-specific provisioning helper designed to improve isolated package-building environments through better dependency handling and PGP key support.

User interface enhancements include improved package reviewing with collapsed diffs for AUR PKGBUILDs, clearer presentation of optional dependencies, and better Flatpak integration via direct Flathub links. The desktop front end, built with Vala and GTK4, also features improved text selection for package details and more consistent installation status updates.