Changing how applications are installed

[Angxddeep]

Applications should be installed via flatpak (Discussion)

Describe the solution you'd like

The thing is, Linux is moving to a unified way to package apps, and flatpaks are the prominent one (if you are not on Ubuntu). We should really push flatpak instead of Distro packages. We all already know about the security benefits that come with Flatpak, and those aren't the only benefits. At least flatpak should be the default for apps like telegram, Discord, OBS which recommend using the flatpak version as the default. Even for apps like signal, like on fedora, it would be much better to get a flatpak instead of enabling someone's Copr repo and do it that way. I would like to have a discussion on this, as personally most of my GUI application are Flatpak, but I get why someone might want to use distro package too or even AUR Build.

Describe alternatives you've considered

If things were done my way I would probably make all application installation to flatpaks, but that isn't the reality so at least giving a choice between flatpak and distro package would be nice, and for apps that recommend flatpaks that should be the default.

Checklist

• I checked for duplicate issues.
• I checked already existing discussions.
• This feature is not included in the roadmap.

[Angxddeep]

And if we all agree to some sort of decision, I will do a PR on this later on

[Linuxury]

There are features that will be missing if run as a flatpak, for example if you use Discord you are unable to share what game/application you are currently using since it's contained. For some that's a desirable feature.

[Angxddeep]

There are features that will be missing if run as a flatpak, for example if you use Discord you are unable to share what game/application you are currently using since it's contained. For some that's a desirable feature.

I get thats why i said it can be choice in this scenario, but there are applications in which flatpaks are a no-brainer like telegram desktop

[adamperkowski]

We all already know about the security benefits that come with Flatpak, and those aren't the only benefits. At least flatpak should be the default for apps like telegram, Discord, OBS which recommend using the flatpak version as the default.

I do not agree. Yes, flapak has security advantages over "standard" distro packages but

1. In most cases, Flatpak is noticeably slower than the "standard" packages
2. Packages installed through Flatpak are a pain to manage
3. Another non-neccessary dependency
4. Some people just don't like Flatpak by design (me), and prefer alternatives (the AUR for example)

If things were done my way I would probably make all application installation to flatpaks

This is a opinion thing. I personally don't think Linutil should depend on Flatpak.

[adamperkowski]

/unlabel 'enhancement'
/label 'question'

/close not planned

This will be implemented for packagers like "Apt" who rely on old versions of applications; only when absolutely necessary though

Most people don't like sandboxed software on their system, and most people dont like flatpak either, we cant force it onto them unless necessary.

[adamperkowski]

If you wish to continue the discussion on this topic, open a new discussion (obviously).