AppImage, Snap vs Flatpak: A Humble Comparison

Years ago, when it comes to Linux software management, many people get confused --or even scared. It doesn't work like Windows at all. Where are the single executable file to install app on Linux? How do I install app on Linux? Can I install app on Linux without being connected to the internet?

Now people get used to how Linux software management works. There is Android's Play Store where you can install an app, directly from an app store. Linux software management works similar to Android play store. There is an online repository where applications stored, and you have to connect to the internet to retrieve and install them onto your device.

But after years, there are some approaches to create a portable, windows like software management in Linux. The last most popular are AppImage, Snap and Flatpak. This time I want to share my personal experience with those Linux software package formats. As an user.

AppImage

This is what can I say the real portable Linux app. All you need to do is download the file, give an executable permission, run the file by click. Same just like Windows EXE works.

Snap

Snap is a portable, universal software packaging, originally developed by Canonical to use on Linux system. Unlike AppImage, you have to install snap runtime or service on your Linux, and install the snap packages from command line, still similar to traditional APT and or RPM.

Flatpak

Flatpak is kind of similar to Snap. You have to install flatpak runtime to be able to install and run flatpak packages onto your Linux system. You have to type command to install the flatpak packages.

File Size

As an example, I tried Mozilla Firefox in three different format: AppImage, Snap and Flatpak. The AppImage comes with 89 MB, Snap with 87 MB and oddly, Flatpak with 556 MB.

Installation Process

AppImage is the easiest among all. Download the AppImage, give permission, execute. Snap is easy, just like traditional APT/RPM. And Flatpak is the most difficult. I have to re-enter my Linux root password several times, everytime flatpak is installing some kind of dependencies.

Loading Time

Suprisingly, Flatpak loads really fast, just like a native DEB/RPM package. AppImage at the second, and Snap is the slowest.

Personal POV

I ain't a developer, just a regular Linux user. Honestly, among the three, I prefer AppImage to be the easiest portable Linux format to use.

I don't have to install and run additional runtime or service. Everything works just like a standalone executable file. Even though it doesn't have automatic update feature, I still find AppImage is the real winner. For now.

Comments

Ubuntu Kylin 19.04 Review : A Gorgeous Windows 10 Clone

It's been quite a while since the last post I wrote in this blog. My daily life prevents me to write another stuff about Linux Desktop, and now I'm curious to take a look to the Ubuntu Kylin 19.04. Ubuntu is always be my favorite distro. It supports huge number of hardwares, it has probably the largest Linux software repository. It is also --the most important thing-- very easy to install, even for beginners. But for some couple of years, because of technical reason, I stopped to play around with the Ubuntu releases. I stood for KDE Neon and became my primary OS because of its simplicity and the look. Few days ago Ubuntu has released its newer version, Ubuntu 19.04 codenamed Disco Dingo. I'm yes impressed by the progress Ubuntu developer has made, especially the way they arrange the GNOME desktop to match the Ubuntu theme. But the most interesting flavor of this release is Ubuntu Kylin. It's an official Ubuntu flavor, designed for Chinese People with its own...

How To Speed Up Your KDE Plasma Desktop (KDE4)

KDE is one of the oldest desktop environment in Linux. While GNOME (the other desktop that as old as KDE) is trying to built its own style of user interface, KDE from the beginning seems to mimics the Microsoft Windows' "classic" user interface. Thus, KDE has its own user base, especially for them who still in love with the Windows' philosophy : a simple desktop, with a single taskbar in the bottom, and a start menu in the left. Personally, I love KDE. It's gorgeous and eyecandy. But sometimes, I feel KDE is little bit slow in my older hardwares. So, after some experiences, I've found some tweak how to make KDE Plasma Desktop Runs Faster . 1. Change The Compositing Engine Go to System Settings>Desktop Effect>Advanced , and change the Compositing type from OpenGL 2.0 to XRender. 2. Remove All Bloatware Apps There are some uneeded apps installed in Kubuntu (my favorite KDE distro) and you could safely remove them. Here are my list : ...

BAM Huawei Mobile Partner For Linux. Download and Install.

Click to enlarge Profile management Broadband connection is one of the most used internet connections, alongside wired and wi-fi internet connection. And the most used device to use broadband connection is USB Modem (GSM/CDMA), and one of the most used brands is Huawei, a world-recognized Chinese manufacture that focuses to produce great networking devices (modems, router etc). It is probably the most popular brand from China and I have to say that Huawei is a great product. Because of this I decided to buy a CDMA USB modem from Huawei. And greatly, this has already been recognized by Linux from so long time ago and so I can use the modem easily with GNOME's Network Manager. But later I found a problem : how to top up my prepaid internet account? To top up my prepaid internet account, I have to send a SMS to the provider and I can't do this on Linux. With forced, I temporarily used Mobile Partner application on Windows to buy / top up my prepaid internet account. ...

NAMAKU TUX

Search This Blog