In this article, I will tell you how to install flatpak packages.

What is Flatpak?

The common problem of linux distributions today is that applications are packaged separately by each distribution and try to keep it up to date. However, some distributions, such as debian, give importance to stability rather than update while packaging applications, so the version offered by the distribution may be outdated.

As a solution to this problem, the flatpak package system has been developed. In this way, by using flatpak on any distribution you want, it is possible to install and use applications that are not in the repositories or that are outdated, without damaging the system.

However, flatpak has a permission system that restricts applications from running in a restricted area to access the entire system.

Flatpak vs Distribution app difference

Flatpak ApplicationDistribution application
Installation sizehighlow
Theming supportlimitedtam
App permissionswasnone (manually adjustable)
Update commandflatpack updateapt-upgrade
Topicalityactualpartially or old
User application supportwasyok
Helpflat hubdistribution producer
System service supportyokwas
Number of applicationsmuchusually insufficient
Installing multiple versionswasyok

Flatpak installation

First we need to install the flatpak package.

apt install flatpak
Installing the flatpak package

After the flatpak package is installed, the flathub repository must be added to be able to download the applications. We can add it using the following command:

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

After adding the repository, we need to close and reopen the current session before we can start using flatpak.

Application setup

In order to install the application, we first need the package name. The application we want to install www.flathub.org Let's search inside.

Flathub app page

At the bottom of the page, the command required for installation is written. Let's copy and paste the command into the terminal.

Copying application install command via Flathub

In the terminal it will ask you questions before installation. Let's continue with the confirmation.

flatpak app installation

After the installation is complete, our application will appear in the application menu.

application menu

Editing app permissions

Flatpak runs applications using bubblewrap. In this way, applications can be run with limited privileges. These powers Flat Seal We can control it with the app. To install Flatseal we must use the following command:

flatpak install flathub com.github.tchx84.Flatseal

Flat Seal You can change all permissions of flatpak applications via our application as follows.

flatseal

Our other article on the subject here .

See you in other articles.