How to Install and Use Flatpak, Snap, and AppImage on Linux

Flatpak, Snap, and AppImage are three popular universal packaging formats that allow Linux users to install applications across different distributions. Each of these formats has its own advantages and use cases. In this guide, we will explore how to install and use Flatpak, Snap, and AppImage on Linux.

1. Installing and Using Flatpak on Linux

Install Flatpak

Most Linux distributions support Flatpak by default or allow easy installation. Use the following command to install Flatpak:

On Debian/Ubuntu-based distributions:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install flatpak -y

On Fedora:

sudo dnf install flatpak -y

On Arch Linux:

sudo pacman -S flatpak

To enable Flathub (the main Flatpak repository), run:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Install Applications with Flatpak

To install an application, use:

flatpak install flathub <application-name>

For example, to install VLC:

flatpak install flathub org.videolan.VLC

Run Applications with Flatpak

flatpak run <application-name>

For VLC:

flatpak run org.videolan.VLC

Uninstall Applications with Flatpak

flatpak uninstall <application-name>

2. Installing and Using Snap on Linux

Install Snapd

Snap is developed by Canonical and is widely used in Ubuntu and other distributions. To install Snap, use the following commands:

On Debian/Ubuntu-based distributions:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install snapd -y

On Fedora:

sudo dnf install snapd -y
sudo systemctl enable --now snapd

On Arch Linux:

sudo pacman -S snapd
sudo systemctl enable --now snapd

Install Applications with Snap

To install an application, use:

sudo snap install <application-name>

For example, to install VLC:

sudo snap install vlc

Run Applications with Snap

snap run <application-name>

For VLC:

snap run vlc

Uninstall Applications with Snap

sudo snap remove <application-name>

3. Installing and Using AppImage on Linux

Unlike Flatpak and Snap, AppImage does not require a package manager. You simply download an AppImage file and run it.

Download an AppImage

You can download AppImage applications from their official websites or repositories like AppImageHub.

Make AppImage Executable

After downloading, make the file executable:

chmod +x <application-name>.AppImage

Run the AppImage

Simply execute the file:

./<application-name>.AppImage

Integrate AppImage with the System (Optional)

To make AppImage applications easily accessible, use AppImageLauncher:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:appimagelauncher-team/stable
sudo apt update && sudo apt install appimagelauncher

Conclusion

Flatpak, Snap, and AppImage provide flexible ways to install applications on Linux. Flatpak is great for its sandboxing and wide application availability via Flathub. Snap offers seamless updates and is deeply integrated with Ubuntu. AppImage is the simplest as it does not require installation. Each has its pros and cons, so choose the one that best suits your workflow!

Additional Tips

• Check Compatibility: Not all Linux distributions support Snap and Flatpak out of the box. Ensure that your system has the necessary support before installing.
• Manage Storage: Flatpak and Snap store applications in isolated environments, which can take up extra space. Regularly clean up unused applications to save storage.
• Use GUI Stores: You can browse and install Flatpak and Snap applications using GUI software centers like GNOME Software or KDE Discover.
• Keep Applications Updated: Flatpak and Snap provide automatic updates, but you can manually update them using:
  • Flatpak: flatpak update
  • Snap: sudo snap refresh
• Security Considerations: Flatpak and Snap applications run in a sandboxed environment, but always verify sources before installing to avoid security risks.