How to Install Programs on Linux: APT, Snap, Flatpak, and AppImage
The Four Main Methods
In Linux there’s no single app store like Windows. You have four main methods to install software, each with its advantages.
APT/DNF: The Recommended Method (Official Repositories)
Your distribution’s package manager is always the first option. Official repository packages are tested and updated with the system.
Ubuntu/Mint/Debian (APT):
sudo apt updateβ updates package listsudo apt install vlcβ installs VLCsudo apt remove vlcβ uninstallssudo apt search videoβ searches packages
Fedora/RHEL (DNF): same commands replacing apt with dnf.
Snap: Canonical’s Universal Format
Snap packages include all their dependencies, so they work on any distribution. They update automatically.
Install from command line: sudo snap install vlc. Disadvantage: Snap apps start slightly slower due to mounting a read-only filesystem.
Flatpak: The Community-Favorite Universal Format
Flatpak is the community alternative to Snap. Available on Flathub (flathub.org) with thousands of desktop applications.
Install Flatpak: sudo apt install flatpak. Add Flathub: flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo. Install apps: flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMP
AppImage: Portable Without Installation
AppImage are portable executable files that don’t require installation. Download the .AppImage file, give execute permissions (chmod +x app.AppImage), and run it. Doesn’t modify the system.
Ideal for testing software versions without installing, or for apps not in any repository.
When to use APT vs Flatpak vs Snap?
Recommended priority: 1) APT (official repo), 2) Flatpak/Flathub, 3) Snap, 4) AppImage. Official repos are most integrated and secure. Flatpak has better performance than Snap and more community support.
How do I install software not in official repositories?
Many apps have their own repository (PPA on Ubuntu/Debian). Follow the official website instructions. For Chrome: download the .deb from google.com/chrome and run sudo dpkg -i google-chrome*.deb.
How do I update all installed software?
With APT: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade. Snap and Flatpak update automatically or you can force it with snap refresh or flatpak update.
Conclusion
For daily use: install from APT/DNF when possible (more integrated and lightweight). For apps not in official repos: Flatpak from Flathub. For testing without installing: AppImage.
