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Choosing a distro

Package managers

Package managers are the tools Linux uses to install and update software.

The short version

Linux has more than one way to install an app. The main choice is between a package from your distribution and a self-contained format such as Flatpak, Snap, or AppImage.

Distro packages

These are the packages provided by your distribution. They are managed by tools such as APT, DNF, Pacman, and Zypper.

  • Usually the best starting point
  • Fit neatly into the rest of your system
  • Follow your distribution’s normal updates

Read the distro packages guide for how they work. The exact commands and software sources depend on your distribution. See the guides for Debian, Fedora, Arch, or openSUSE.

sh
sudo apt install package-name

Flatpak

Flatpak lets you install desktop apps without relying on the versions your distro provides.

  • You can get newer apps without upgrading your whole distro.
  • The same app package works on many different distros.
  • Apps download extra files they need to run, so they can take up more storage.
sh
flatpak install flathub org.example.App

See the Flatpak guide for setup and installation.

Snap

Snap is made by Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu. It packages apps with the files they need to run.

  • It makes most sense on Ubuntu, where Snap is already set up.
  • Apps update automatically by default.
  • On other distros, try their own packages or Flatpak first.

Snap is controversial in parts of the Linux community, particularly because Canonical controls the main Snap Store. Linux Mint disables Snap installation by default and explains its concerns here (opens in a new tab).

sh
sudo snap install app-name

See the Snap guide for setup and more commands.

AppImage

An AppImage is an app you download as a single file. Allow it to run in the file’s properties, then double-click it to open.

  • You can try an app without going through an installer.
  • You can keep the file in a folder of your choice.
  • You may need to download updates yourself and add your own app menu shortcut.
sh
chmod +x AppName.AppImage
./AppName.AppImage

Which should I use?

Start with your distro’s own packages, or try Flatpak if an app is missing or you want a newer version. Snap is another option on Ubuntu. AppImage is handy when the developer offers a single file you can download and run.