this post was submitted on 22 May 2025
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How long do you think until Flatpak is replacing packages? I really don't like the current stultifying trend of the combination of Flatpak and immutability.
I don't think it works well enough yet.
I do not want Flatpak to replace distro packages.
I use both pacman and apk and they are both far better package managers than Flatpak is. Apk 3 is awesome. And I do not want sandboxes for native packages.
The role of Flatpak is as a distribution method for app developers to target Linux as a platform with a single build. It is a place to get things that may not be in my distro repos. It can be a method for commercial distribution. It is the cure for the “fragmentation” problem that makes it difficult to develop software for Linux.
I hate snaps but snaps could actually be used to replace packages. You could distribute GCC as a snap. In its current form, Flatpak is only targeting GUI applications
It isn't replacing packages. App developers are simply spending there time where it matters.
If a distro wants to package something they can still do it.
Why?
not op but here's my reasons: I want my apps to be able to talk to each other. So flatpak is just in the way. Also, I don't see the point of immutable distros. I could boot off of btrfs snapshots years ago. Immutability gives me absolutely nothing of value either
It hugely improves privacy and security
no, it doesn't. Stuff doesn't have write access to / anyway. Immutability just means that I don't have write access either. Which makes no sene to me.
How so?
The benefit is easy roll backs and roll forwards. The system is the same from a security perspective.
This is (at least somewhat of) a legit concern. But is mostly directed towards Flatpak's limitations in its current implementation.
Have you ever wondered why openSUSE started working on (what would eventually become) Aeon while they had previously pioneered the BTRFS + Snapper workflow with Tumbleweed? I believe you may find the point of immutable distros in there 😉.
I dig immutability for servers, grandma, and productivity laptops.
I think it fills a nice niche in the Linux ecosystem, even if I still prefer my custom prime desktop.
As someone new to both, I'm commenting to hear your answer to the other person's "why?" :)