I'm curious about the ability to "sideload" Flatpak applications on Linux. Sometimes, developers stop supporting their apps, like what happened with DuckStation or Yuzu, and that makes it impossible to install them through standard methods unless you have access to another machine to use the `flatpak create-usb` feature. Is there a way to download or package Flatpaks (or similar types of applications, but not including AppImages) into something like an APK file? I mean, a packaged format with all the necessary dependencies included so that you can install it without needing an internet connection.
5 Answers
AppImages are your best bet if you're looking for something akin to APKs! For offline installation of other packages, you could gather .deb files and all their dependencies. If you're using Arch Linux, there's a method to save packages and dependencies as a single file. You can check out Arch's wiki for tips on that! Alternatively, for open-source projects, you could just download the source code and compile it when needed.
Honestly, I'd recommend using AppImages whenever you can. But remember, Flatpaks rely on specific runtimes. So without an internet connection, you'd need to find a way to install those runtimes too if you plan to use Flatpaks.
You might consider building the applicatons yourself with flatpak-builder. That would let you create a localized version, but it does require some setup initially.
The `flatpak create-usb` method isn't really enough if the app you're looking for is no longer on Flathub. It can't retrieve the app or its dependencies anymore because they simply don't exist on the platform.
Exactly! If the app is gone, the dependencies can’t be downloaded either, making it tough to get it installed.
Keep in mind that while some open-source projects can disappear from repos if they get pressured, usually the source code remains available. If you want to move Flatpak apps, you can copy their folders directly from their installation paths, depending on whether you went with a user or system-wide installation.
That's true, but in the case of Yuzu, it was taken down from Flathub, even though it's open-source. The availability of the source code doesn't guarantee that you can find it easily.
Yeah, AppImages are definitely the closest to self-contained. But if a proprietary app relies only on Flatpaks and it stops being supported, what then? It's not like you can stash it away like a Windows setup.exe or an Android APK. Plus, .flatpakrefs don't store the app data; they just point to Flathub.