Flatpak and Snap: What are the differences?

Flatpak and Snaps are constantly mentioned in the context of the Linux desktop. Do you understand them?

Photo by Christian Boragine on Unsplash

In the evolving landscape of Linux package management, Flatpak and Snap stand out as two prominent technologies designed to simplify application distribution and enhance security across various Linux distributions. Understanding their differences can help users choose the best option for their needs.

What are the differences?

Flatpak and Snap each serve to package applications in a way that allows them to run consistently across different Linux environments. Here’s a brief overview of each.

Flatpak

Flatpak allows developers to create a single package that can run on any Linux distribution. It emphasizes sandboxing, enabling applications to run in isolated environments, thereby improving security and preventing interference with the system.

Snap

Created by Canonical, the publishers of Ubuntu, Snap is designed to package applications along with their dependencies, ensuring they run smoothly on any Linux distribution. Snaps are automatically updated and can roll back to previous versions if needed.

Installation and Setup

Flatpak

First, install Flatpak via your package manager. For example, in Debian/Ubuntu:

sudo apt install flatpak

Next, add the Flathub repository:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Finally, run an application:

flatpak run org.example.MyApp

Snap

Install Snap via your package manager. On Debian/Ubuntu, it is:

sudo apt install snapd

Install a Snap application:

sudo snap install hello-world

Run the application directly from the terminal or application menu.

Differences

We do not necessarily believe that there are pros/cons here, so we want to highlight the differences.

Flatpak

• Strong sandboxing for enhanced security
• Works on multiple distributions
• Flexibility to use existing package managers
• Smaller number of available applications compared to Snap
• Requires user intervention for updates

Snap

• Automatic updates and rollback options
• Large library of applications available in the Snap Store
• Good integration with Ubuntu ecosystems
• Slightly heavier due to background services
• Limited to the Snap Store, which can restrict availability

Conclusion

Both Flatpak and Snap offer compelling advantages for Linux users looking to simplify application management while enhancing security.

Your choice between them may depend on your distribution, personal preferences, and the specific applications you wish to use. By understanding the differences outlined above, you'll be better equipped to decide which packaging format best suits your needs in the Linux ecosystem. 

Our recommendation? Consider trying both, as each has its unique strengths and can coexist on the same system. Happy Linux!