Mastering Flatpak Commands (with examples)

Flatpak is a software utility for software deployment, application virtualization, and package management primarily on Linux-based systems. It provides a sandbox environment in which users can run applications isolated from the rest of the system, ensuring security and compatibility. Thanks to its ability to bundle applications along with their dependencies, Flatpak enables the installation of apps without worrying about conflicts with existing software in the operating system.

Run an installed application

Code:

flatpak run com.example.app

Motivation:

If you’ve installed an application using Flatpak, running it can sometimes be different from applications installed via other package managers. By using flatpak run, you can be confident that you’re starting the correct version of the program in the intended isolated environment. This is especially useful for applications that require specific dependencies that may differ from what’s available on your system.

Explanation:

• flatpak: Invokes the Flatpak command line utility.
• run: Specifies that you want to execute an application.
• com.example.app: Represents the application identifier you wish to run.

Example output:

Upon executing the command, the application “com.example.app” will open in its own window or terminal session, depending on its type (GUI or CLI). Any startup messages or logs will be presented in your terminal window.

Install an application from a remote source

Code:

flatpak install remote_name com.example.app

Motivation:

Flatpak not only allows you to run applications but also offers a streamlined way to install them from various remote repositories. This command lets you install a new application by fetching it from a designated source, ensuring you have the latest version and any required dependencies.

Explanation:

• install: Instructs Flatpak to add a new application to your system.
• remote_name: The name of the Flatpak remote (repository) where the application is hosted.
• com.example.app: The application identifier for the app you wish to install.

Example output:

The terminal will display the download progress of the application, including any dependencies. Once complete, you’ll receive a confirmation message that the installation was successful.

List installed applications, ignoring runtimes

Code:

flatpak list --app

Motivation:

With numerous applications installed on your system, sometimes you need a quick overview of what Flatpak apps you have. This listing excludes runtimes, providing a focused view of only the end-user applications, which can be useful for managing or updating your software inventory effectively.

Explanation:

• list: Tells Flatpak to provide a list of installed items.
• --app: A flag that filters the list to show only applications, excluding runtimes.

Example output:

A straightforward list of all installed Flatpak applications, formatted along with version numbers and source information.

Update all installed applications and runtimes

Code:

flatpak update

Motivation:

Keeping your applications up-to-date is crucial for security and functionality. With a single command, you can update all your Flatpak applications and their runtimes, ensuring you are using the latest versions with any available bug fixes and performance improvements.

Explanation:

• update: Directs Flatpak to check for and apply available updates to both apps and runtimes.

Example output:

The terminal will display a list of applications and runtimes being updated, along with progress indicators. Upon completion, a summary of the updates applied will be presented.

Add a remote source

Code:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists remote_name remote_url

Motivation:

Before installing applications from a new source, you need to add it as a remote to your system. This command ensures that you have the necessary permissions and sources available for application fetching, without duplicating existing entries.

Explanation:

• remote-add: Instructs Flatpak to add a new remote source.
• --if-not-exists: Ensures the command only adds the remote if it hasn’t already been added, preventing duplication.
• remote_name: A name you assign to the new remote source.
• remote_url: The URL of the remote repository you wish to add.

Example output:

A confirmation message indicating the remote source has been successfully added, or if it was already present, indicating no changes were made.

Remove an installed application

Code:

flatpak remove com.example.app

Motivation:

Periodically, you may want to clean up your system by removing applications you no longer use. This command allows you to selectively uninstall applications, freeing up space and resources while maintaining a tidy system.

Explanation:

• remove: Specifies the action of uninstalling the application.
• com.example.app: The identifier of the application you wish to remove.

Example output:

The terminal will confirm that the application “com.example.app” has been successfully removed, along with details of any linked dependencies that were also deleted.

Remove all unused applications

Code:

flatpak remove --unused

Motivation:

Over time, with installations and updates, your system may accumulate unused applications and dependencies. This command efficiently clears out these unnecessary components, thus maximizing your disk space and maintaining a clean system environment.

Explanation:

• remove: Instructs Flatpak to uninstall components.
• --unused: Filters the removal process to only target applications and dependencies that are no longer used by any other installed app.

Example output:

Details of all the unused packages being removed along with a summary of the freed-up storage space.

Show information about an installed application

Code:

flatpak info com.example.app

Motivation:

When managing your applications, sometimes you need detailed information about a specific installed application—such as its version, origin, or installed size. This command provides all that without having to navigate through menus or separate documentation, offering transparency over your installed software.

Explanation:

• info: Requests detailed information about an application.
• com.example.app: The identifier for the application whose information you wish to retrieve.

Example output:

A comprehensive overview of the application, including its version, installed size, origin, and any related metadata.

Conclusion:

Mastering Flatpak commands empower users to seamlessly manage their applications and system environments on Linux-based platforms. Whether you are installing new software, updating existing applications, or tidying up unwanted files, these commands provide the tools necessary for effective application management.