How Flatpak, AppImage, and Snap are changing software distribution Ship It!

Modern-day package systems solve some problems posed by classic formats like DEB and RPM. We look at Flatpak, AppImage, and Snap and describe how they differ.

- By Andrea Ciarrocchi

Traditional package managers like APT, DNF, and Pacman have served Linux users well for decades, but they come with inherent complexities, dependencies, and compatibility challenges. In response to these limitations, three modern packaging formats have emerged as contenders for the future of Linux application distribution: Flatpak, AppImage, and Snap. If you've been around Linux for the past few years, you've probably heard these terms a lot. Many users adopt one of these package formats because they need it to install an application – or because they use a distro where the format is favored – without a clear understanding of what these formats really are, how they are different from their predecessors, and how they differ from each other. The goal of this article is to shed some light on these recent innovations in package technology.

Each of these formats aims to simplify software distribution, enhance security, and improve application portability, but they do so in different ways. Flatpak is designed with sandboxing and cross-distribution compatibility in mind. AppImage, on the other hand, offers a lightweight, self-contained approach that requires no installation, emphasizing portability and simplicity. Snap, backed by Canonical, integrates deeply with Ubuntu while offering transactional updates and strong security features.

The Problem