dpkg: Errors were encountered while processing

When installing a Debian package, I often encounter this error. Fortunately, fixing it is pretty easy.

Step #1: Installing a Debian package

To install a Debian package, I use the dpkg tool.

$ sudo dpkg -i /path/to/the/deb/package

If the installation process fails, you will see the following error:

dpkg: dependency problems prevent configuration of <package>:
 ...

dpkg: error processing package <package> (--install):
 dependency problems - leaving unconfigured
 ...
Errors were encountered while processing:
 <package>

That means the system cannot install the package because of missing or conflicting dependencies.

Step #2: Fix broken dependencies

Using apt-get with --fix-broken or -f option:

$ sudo apt-get install -f

That’s all!