Why Don't More Linux Distros Include Both Snap and Flatpak App Stores?
Asked by
TechWanderer42
As a newcomer to Linux and having installed Ubuntu, I'm noticing it has a software center that makes installing applications really easy, handling dependencies for me (when it works right!). I also discovered Flathub, another software repository that seems similar but offers a different selection of software. It seems to me that Ubuntu has some popular programs that aren't available on Flathub, and vice versa. I feel like this situation isn't very ideal for newbies, as the software choices can be limited depending on which distro they choose. So, why don't we see more distros that come with both Snap and Flathub pre-installed? Wouldn't it make sense to give users more options and a larger selection of software? Is Ubuntu blocking other distros from using their software center, or is there something else at play here?
Answers
I’ve mostly worked with Debian-based systems, and I have my own preferences: if it's in the repository, I use apt; if there's an official .deb, then I might use gdebi. I leave Flatpak for those rare apps I really want. It’s all about choice—if you feel limited, pick a different method!
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There's really no issue in using both Snap and Flatpak. They both serve different purposes and have their unique strengths, so they can coexist without hindering each other. Just like AppImage!
StorageSavvy23: Yeah, but the extra space usage can really add up, especially with those runtimes!
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Flatpak is actually a pretty cool packaging format because it aims to work across many Linux distros and avoids dependency problems. The tradeoff is that the apps might be larger and not as optimized for specific distros. On the other hand, Snaps are mainly used by Ubuntu, so some might say they've not really succeeded in being universal. You can run Flatpaks on Ubuntu and Snaps on other distros, but really, it feels like Flatpaks are more commonly praised. I'm curious too about which big programs are locked to Snaps instead of Flatpaks!
CuriousDeveloper45: Snaps are more fitting for command-line applications and server setups, I think.
FlatpakFan123: There are cases where companies release their software as a Snap but not as a Flatpak, so having both options is beneficial!
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You could totally install Flatpak on Ubuntu and Snaps on other distros, but you're right, they rarely come pre-installed. This has been a common critique of Canonical because they tend to make their own solutions instead of pushing for universal standards. It does cause fragmentation in the ecosystem—users want consistency!
LinuxNewbie101: But isn’t it pretty inconvenient for newbies? They probably just want more software options without worrying about which format they’re using.
OldSchoolLinuxer: Absolutely! Most new users wouldn’t even care about the technical differences as long as everything ‘just works.’
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SkepticalUser88: But those choices feel restrictive for new users who might not know how to install everything.