Different forms of Linux applications

Unlike Windows or macOS applications, a Linux application may have different formats each with its own strengths. For example, the popular video player, Smplayer, can be distro-specific or in Flatpak format or Snap format.

Here are the Common Forms of Linux Applications:

Form / Package Type	Description	Example
DEB (Debian Package)	Native format for Debian-based distros (Ubuntu, Linux Mint). Installed with dpkg or apt.	firefox.deb
RPM (Red Hat Package Manager)	Used by Red Hat, Fedora, openSUSE. Managed with yum or dnf.	vlc.rpm
Flatpak	Universal package system. Runs apps in a sandbox for security. Works across distros.	flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMP
Snap	Canonical’s universal packaging system. Auto-updates, works across distros.	snap install spotify
AppImage	Portable format. No installation needed—just download and run.	AppImage version of Libreoffice
Source Code	Apps distributed as source code. User compiles with make or similar tools.	tar.gz archives of software
Containerized Apps	Apps packaged in Docker or Podman containers. Useful for isolated environments.	docker run nginx

Key Differences

• DEB/RPM → Traditional, distro-specific formats.

• Flatpak/Snap/AppImage → Cross-distro, modern, focus on portability and sandboxing.

• Source Code → Maximum flexibility, but requires technical knowledge.

• Containers → Ideal for developers, reproducibility, and cloud environments.

Practical Example

If you want to install GIMP (image editor), you could get it in different forms:

• apt install gimp (DEB on Ubuntu)

• dnf install gimp (RPM on Fedora)

• flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMP (Flatpak)

• Download GIMP.AppImage (portable)

 

Which ones are best for beginners and which suit advanced users:

Best for Beginners

• DEB / RPM

  • ✅ Easy to install with built-in package managers (apt, dnf, yum).

  • ✅ Stable and well-tested for each distro.

  • ❌ Limited to specific distributions (Ubuntu vs Fedora).

• Flatpak

  • ✅ Works across many distros.

  • ✅ Sandboxed for security.

  • ✅ Access to Flathub (huge app store).

  • ❌ Slightly larger disk usage.

• Snap

  • ✅ Auto-updates, simple commands.

  • ✅ Works on most distros.

  • ❌ Slower startup times for some apps.

Beginners benefit most from Distro-specific Apps or Flatpak Apps because they are simple, safe, and widely supported.

Best for Advanced Users

• AppImage

  • ✅ Portable, no installation needed.

  • ✅ Great for testing apps quickly.

  • ❌ No auto-updates, manual management.

• Source Code

  • ✅ Maximum control, can optimize for your system.

  • ✅ Learn how software works under the hood.

  • ❌ Requires compiling skills, dependency management.

• Containers (Docker/Podman)

  • ✅ Perfect for developers, reproducible environments.

  • ✅ Isolated from host system.

  • ❌ Overkill for casual users.

 

Advanced users often prefer AppImage for portability, Source Code for customization, or Containers for development.

Security and Performance Trade-offs

• Flatpak/Snap → Strong sandboxing, but heavier resource use.

• Distro-specific App → Lightweight, but less isolated (dependencies needed)

• AppImage → Portable, but no sandboxing.

• Source Code → Secure if audited, but risky if built from unknown sources.

• Containers → Highly secure and isolated, but resource-intensive.

In short:

• Beginners → Stick with Distro-specific App/Flatpak for simplicity.

• Advanced users → Explore AppImage, Source builds, or Containers for flexibility.