Snap and Flatpak
Traditional packages (deb, rpm) are distro-specific. Snap and Flatpak are universal - install on any Linux.
The Problem with Traditional Packages
Developer creates app → packages for:
- Ubuntu (.deb)
- Fedora (.rpm)
- Arch (.pkg.tar)
- And many more...
Each distro has different library versions. Nightmare.
Snap (by Canonical)
Snaps bundle the app with all dependencies. Works on any distro with snapd.
Install Snap Support
Terminal
$sudo apt install snapd
(on Ubuntu, it's pre-installed)
Find and Install Snaps
Terminal
$snap find spotify
Name Version Publisher Summary
spotify 1.2.13 spotify✓ Music for everyone
$
$sudo snap install spotify
spotify 1.2.13 from Spotify✓ installed
List Installed Snaps
Terminal
$snap list
Name Version Rev Tracking Publisher
core20 20231123 2105 latest/stable canonical✓
firefox 120.0 3358 latest/stable mozilla✓
spotify 1.2.13 66 latest/stable spotify✓
Update Snaps
Terminal
$sudo snap refresh
(updates all snaps)
$sudo snap refresh spotify
(update specific snap)
Remove Snaps
Terminal
$sudo snap remove spotify
spotify removed
Snap Cons
- Slower startup (sandbox overhead)
- Larger file size (bundles dependencies)
- Auto-updates (can't always control timing)
- Loop devices clutter
dfoutput
Flatpak
Flatpak is similar but community-driven, not tied to Canonical.
Install Flatpak Support
Terminal
$sudo apt install flatpak
$
$# Add Flathub repository (main source)
$flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
Find and Install Flatpaks
Terminal
$flatpak search gimp
Name Description Application ID
GIMP GNU Image Manipulation Program org.gimp.GIMP
$
$flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMP
Installing: org.gimp.GIMP...
List Installed Flatpaks
Terminal
$flatpak list
Name Application ID Version Origin
GIMP org.gimp.GIMP 2.10.36 flathub
VLC org.videolan.VLC 3.0.20 flathub
Update Flatpaks
Terminal
$flatpak update
(updates all flatpaks)
Remove Flatpaks
Terminal
$flatpak uninstall org.gimp.GIMP
Snap vs Flatpak vs apt
| Feature | apt | Snap | Flatpak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Fast | Slower | Moderate |
| Size | Small | Large | Large |
| Sandboxed | No | Yes | Yes |
| Auto-update | No | Yes | Optional |
| Distro | Debian/Ubuntu | Any | Any |
| Desktop apps | Some | Many | Many |
| CLI tools | Yes | Yes | Few |
When to Use What
- apt: System packages, CLI tools, server software
- Snap/Flatpak: Desktop apps, especially proprietary ones (Spotify, Discord, Slack)
- Flatpak: If you want more control over updates
Knowledge Check
What's the main advantage of Snap and Flatpak over traditional packages?
Quick Reference
| Snap Command | Purpose |
|---|---|
snap find name | Search |
snap install name | Install |
snap list | List installed |
snap refresh | Update all |
snap remove name | Remove |
| Flatpak Command | Purpose |
|---|---|
flatpak search name | Search |
flatpak install repo id | Install |
flatpak list | List installed |
flatpak update | Update all |
flatpak uninstall id | Remove |
Key Takeaways
- Snap and Flatpak are universal package formats
- They bundle dependencies (larger but portable)
- Snap: Ubuntu-focused, auto-updates
- Flatpak: Community-driven, Flathub is the main repo
- Use apt for system stuff, Snap/Flatpak for desktop apps
- Both provide sandboxing for security
Next: when packages aren't enough - compiling from source.