I'm trying to understand the differences between AppImages and Flatpaks, particularly in relation to running the digiKam photo management software. Right now, I'm using the AppImage directly from the digiKam website, which they recommend. However, since I come from a Windows background, I'm a bit concerned about how this impacts app settings. Specifically, if I update digiKam or any other software packaged as an AppImage, how are settings managed or transferred between versions when everything is contained in that AppImage?
4 Answers
If you go with Flatpak, you won't have to manually download an AppImage every time there's an update. Flatpaks usually handle updates automatically, making them a bit more convenient.
I’d recommend just downloading apps using your distribution's package manager. It simplifies everything!
Regarding settings, the AppImage only contains the executable. You can usually find digiKam's configuration files in ~/.config and any data in ~/.local/share. On the flip side, Flatpak installs config files in ~/.var/app/app_name. I lean towards Flatpak for easier updates, but AppImages are useful for portable situations.
Generally, the best practice is to use applications from your distribution's repository. AppImages, Flatpaks, and Snaps include everything needed to run the app separately from the system, which is the way forward, similar to how Android works. However, AppImages can be a bit unpredictable since you can't always tell what's inside them.
Thanks for the suggestion! But I noticed that digiKam recommends their AppImage as the way to install. Should I disregard what they suggest and go with Flatpak instead?