What is flatpak

 

Flatpak is a universal packaging system for Linux that lets you install and run applications across different distributions in a secure, sandboxed environment. It’s designed to make app distribution easier for developers and more consistent for users.

Key Features of Flatpak

• Cross-distro compatibility: Developers can package an app once and distribute it to any Linux distribution that supports Flatpak.

• Sandboxing: Apps run in isolation from the rest of the system, improving security and stability.

• Bundled dependencies: Applications include all the libraries they need, so you don’t have to worry about missing packages.

• Runtimes: Flatpak provides shared “runtimes” (common sets of libraries) that apps can depend on, reducing duplication.

• Flathub integration: Flathub is the main app store for Flatpak, offering thousands of popular applications.

Pros

• Consistency: Apps look and behave the same across different Linux distros.

• Security: Sandboxing limits what apps can access on your system.

• Easy updates: Flatpak apps can be updated independently of your system packages.

• Huge catalog: Flathub hosts a wide range of desktop apps, from productivity tools to games.

Cons

• Disk space usage: Because apps bundle their dependencies, they can take up more storage.

• Performance overhead: Sandboxing may introduce slight performance costs compared to native packages.

• Integration quirks: Some apps may not fully respect system themes or file paths.

Flatpak is essentially Linux’s answer to universal app distribution, similar to how mobile platforms use app stores. It makes life easier for developers and users by ensuring apps run consistently across distros, though it can be heavier on disk space.

How Flatpak compares to Snap and AppImage

Flatpak vs Snap vs AppImage

Flatpak

• Focus: Desktop applications.

• Strengths:

  • Works across many Linux distros.

  • Strong sandboxing for security.

  • Huge catalog via Flathub.

• Weaknesses:

  • Larger disk usage since apps bundle dependencies.

  • Sometimes slower startup compared to native packages.

Snap

• Focus: Both desktop and server apps.

• Strengths:

  • Backed by Canonical (Ubuntu).

  • Automatic updates and rollback support.

  • Good for system services as well as apps.

• Weaknesses:

  • Heavier resource usage.

  • Slower startup times.

  • Integration outside Ubuntu can feel clunky.

AppImage

• Focus: Portable apps.

• Strengths:

  • No installation needed—just download and run.

  • Super lightweight and portable (like a Windows .exe).

  • Doesn’t touch system files.

• Weaknesses:

  • No built-in update mechanism (unless developer adds it).

  • No sandboxing—less secure than Flatpak/Snap.

  • Smaller ecosystem compared to Flathub or Snap Store.

Comparison Table

Feature	Flatpak	Snap	AppImage
Best for	Desktop apps	Desktop + server apps	Portable apps
Sandboxing	Yes	Yes	No
Updates	Manual or auto	Automatic	Manual
Main Store	Flathub	Snap Store	None (per-app)
Integration	Strong on KDE/GNOME	Strong on Ubuntu	Works everywhere

• Use Flatpak if you want a secure, cross-distro desktop app ecosystem.

• Use Snap if you’re on Ubuntu or need server/service apps with auto-updates.

• Use AppImage if you want portable, no-install apps you can run anywhere.