Managing software packages on Linux systems can be quite challenging, particularly for beginners, as different distributions use distinct traditional package management systems. One of the most complex aspects of this process is handling package dependencies.

For example, Debian-based systems like Ubuntu and Linux Mint use .deb packages, managed via the dpkg package manager.

Meanwhile, RHEL-based distributions such as CentOS Stream, Rocky Linux, and AlmaLinux rely on .rpm packages, managed using the rpm package manager.

In recent years, the landscape of package management has transformed significantly with the emergence of universal or cross-distribution package management tools.

These tools enable developers to package software for multiple Linux distributions from a single build, simplifying the installation process across various supported distributions.

This article explores the top three open-source universal or cross-distribution package management systems for Linux.

Table of Contents

• 1. Snap – A Universal Package Format
  • Easy Installation and Updates
  • Security and Isolation
• 2. Flatpak – Cross-Distribution Compatibility
  • Sandboxing for Enhanced Security
  • User and Developer-Friendly
• 3. AppImage: The Portable Alternative
  • No Installation Needed
  • Wide Compatibility
• Comparing the Trio: Snap, Flatpak, and AppImage
• Which Package Manager Should I Choose?

1. Snap – A Universal Package Format

Snap is a widely used open-source application/package format and management system created by Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu Linux. Many Linux distributions now support snaps, including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch Linux, Manjaro, and CentOS/RHEL.

Easy Installation and Updates

A snap application is a cross-distribution package bundled with all necessary dependencies for easy installation and automatic updates. It can run on desktops, servers, in the cloud, or IoT devices.

To create a snap, developers use Snapcraft, a framework and command-line tool. Using snaps requires installing snapd, a background service enabling Linux systems to handle .snap files. Snap installations are performed via the snap command-line tool.

Security and Isolation

Snaps operate under confinement, offering different and configurable levels of isolation. They employ "interfaces" to access system resources outside their confinement, chosen by the snap’s creator based on its requirements. This ensures applications run securely without compromising the OS's stability.

Snaps use "channels," subdivided into tracks, risk levels, and branches, to manage updates. Auto-updates are available, but manual management is also possible.

For more information on snaps, refer to our guides:

• How to Install Snapd in Linux – Part 1
• How to Manage Snaps in Linux – Part 2

2. Flatpak – Cross-Distribution Compatibility

Flatpak is an open-source framework for distributing desktop applications on Linux. Developed independently, Flatpak allows a single application build to run on virtually any Linux distribution.

Supported distributions include Fedora, Ubuntu, RHEL, CentOS, OpenSUSE, and Arch Linux, as well as Raspberry Pi.

Flatpak’s runtimes offer shared libraries for applications. Developers can also bundle their own libraries within the application.

Flatpak provides easy-to-use build tools and offers a consistent development environment across devices.

Sandboxing for Enhanced Security

Flatpak isolates each application in its sandbox, preventing interference with the main system or other apps. This is beneficial when dealing with uncertain sources.

User and Developer-Friendly

Flatpak supports forward compatibility, allowing the same application to run on different versions of the same distribution, even future releases. It aims to remain compatible with new Linux versions.

Developers can distribute applications via Flathub, a centralized service for all distributions.

3. AppImage: The Portable Alternative

AppImage is another open-source package format allowing developers to package applications once for all major Linux desktop distributions. Unlike Snap and Flatpak, AppImage does not require installation. Simply download, make executable, and run.

AppImage supports most 32-bit and 64-bit Linux desktops.

No Installation Needed

AppImages can be stored on USB drives, shared, and run without altering the system. This is ideal for portable Linux environments.

Wide Compatibility

AppImage offers numerous benefits. Developers can reach a broad audience regardless of Linux distribution or version. Users do not need to worry about dependencies since each AppImage includes all required ones. Upgrading applications is straightforward with AppImage.

System administrators supporting multiple desktop systems can ensure system integrity without blocking user-installed applications.

Comparing the Trio: Snap, Flatpak, and AppImage

Which Package Manager Should I Choose?

Choose Snap for secure, easy-to-use package management with automatic updates. Select Flatpak for flexibility in packaging any application. Opt for AppImage if no installation or root privileges are needed.

All three managers are actively maintained and updated but may have some bugs or missing features.

Conclusion

Universal or cross-distribution package formats represent the future of software development in the Linux ecosystem. Traditional package managers remain relevant, though.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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