While Cygwin doesn't have an exact equivalent to Linux's apt-get, it provides several powerful command-line tools for package management.


The primary way to install packages after initial installation is through Cygwin's setup-x86_64.exe (or setup-x86.exe for 32-bit):

setup-x86_64.exe -q -P git

Where:

-q enables quiet mode
-P specifies the package to install

Install multiple packages:
setup-x86_64.exe -q -P git,vim,python3

List available packages:
setup-x86_64.exe -q -L | grep git

Search for packages:
setup-x86_64.exe -q -s "development"

Some users prefer the apt-cyg wrapper that provides apt-like syntax:
# First install apt-cyg
lynx -source rawgit.com/transcode-open/apt-cyg/master/apt-cyg > apt-cyg
install apt-cyg /bin

# Then use like apt-get
apt-cyg install git

For scripting purposes, you can create a batch file:
@echo off
set CYGWIN_PACKAGES=git,vim,curl
setup-x86_64.exe -q -P %CYGWIN_PACKAGES%

After installation, verify packages are properly installed:
which git
git --version

Remember that Cygwin packages install into /usr/bin by default, which is automatically added to your PATH.

Unlike traditional Linux package managers, Cygwin requires a different approach for post-installation package management. The setup-x86_64.exe (or setup-x86.exe for 32-bit) is actually Cygwin's package manager in disguise.
Here's how to install packages after initial installation:
setup-x86_64.exe -q -P git,vim,curl
Key parameters:

-q: Quiet mode (no GUI)
-P: Specifies packages (comma-separated)

Installing development tools:
setup-x86_64.exe -q -P gcc-core,gcc-g++,make,gdb,git
Adding Python environment:
setup-x86_64.exe -q -P python3,python3-pip,python3-devel
To search for available packages:
setup-x86_64.exe -q --search git
To list installed packages:
setup-x86_64.exe -q --list-installed
You can specify alternative mirrors:
setup-x86_64.exe -q -P git -s http://mirror.example.com
For repeatable installations, create a batch file:
@echo off
SET CYGWIN_PACKAGES=git,vim,curl,gcc
setup-x86_64.exe -q -P %CYGWIN_PACKAGES%

Always run as Administrator
Check your PATH if commands aren't found after installation
Use --no-shortcuts to avoid desktop shortcuts