How to use the command 'flatpak remote-info' (with examples)

The flatpak remote-info command is a powerful utility that provides detailed information about applications or runtimes available in remote repositories managed by the Flatpak package management system. This command allows users to gather insights about apps, track changes over time, and view specific details for debugging or historical purposes. Flatpak is popular for distributing and running applications on Linux, maintaining them in isolated environments known as sandboxes, and flatpak remote-info is essential for managing and understanding these packages effectively.

Use case 1: Show information about a Flatpak

Code:

flatpak remote-info remote_name com.example.app

Motivation:

This use case is particularly important for users who want to gather specific details about an application before deciding to install it. It can help you determine the necessity and safety of the application by providing version details, the source of the app, and any permissions it requires. This information can save users from downloading unwanted or unsafe software by educating them on the contents of the app.

Explanation:

• flatpak: This is the base command for interacting with Flatpak applications and repositories.
• remote-info: This sub-command is used to retrieve information from a remote repository.
• remote_name: This placeholder is where you specify the name of the remote repository from which you want information. A remote repository could be Flathub or any other source where Flatpak applications are hosted.
• com.example.app: This is the application ID of the Flatpak in question. It uniquely identifies the app you are inquiring about.

Example output:

Information for application com.example.app:
  ID: com.example.app
  Ref: app/com.example.app/x86_64/stable
  Architecture: x86_64
  Branch: stable
  Collection ID: 
  Date: 2023-07-15
  Subject: Major update to version 3.0 (#d3f4hg8d)
  Commit: d3f4hg8d
  Parent: 5a7k9g4f
  Download size: 20.0 MB
  Installed size: 50.0 MB
  Runtime: org.freedesktop.Platform/x86_64/21.08

  Permissions:
      ipc       network       pulseaudio
      x11       dri           file access [1]

Use case 2: Show a log of previous versions in a remote

Code:

flatpak remote-info --log remote_name com.example.app

Motivation:

This use case is crucial for developers and end-users who want to keep track of the app’s development over time. By examining the logs of previous versions, you can understand the changes, improvements, and bug fixes that have been made since the app’s initial release. Users interested in software development or those who need specific versions due to compatibility can greatly benefit from this information.

Explanation:

• flatpak: The command-line interface for Flatpak management.
• remote-info: The Flatpak command used to gather detailed information about applications from a remote repository.
• --log: An option that requests the history or log of previous versions of the specified app from the remote repository.
• remote_name: Represents the name of the remote source/repository where the application is hosted.
• com.example.app: Specifies the application ID that you want to inquire about regarding its version history.

Example output:

Commit: abcd1234
Date: 2023-07-01
Subject: Minor bug fixes and performance improvements.

Commit: wxyz5678
Date: 2023-06-15
Subject: Added feature X for enhancing user experience.

Commit: lmno9101
Date: 2023-06-01
Subject: Security patch for vulnerability CVE-2023-XXXX.

Use case 3: Show information about the specific commit, rather than the latest version

Code:

flatpak remote-info --commit=COMMIT remote_name com.example.app

Motivation:

This use case is helpful for users who need information on a specific version of an application, such as developers managing version conflicts or debugging specific issues. By examining the details of a particular commit, one can trace the changes introduced, ascertain dependencies, or validate changes impacting functionality.

Explanation:

• flatpak: The fundamental command for working with Flatpak-based applications.
• remote-info: Used here to retrieve detailed info about an application from a remote source.
• --commit=COMMIT: This flag specifies the retrieval of information about a specific commit rather than the latest version. COMMIT is a placeholder for the actual commit ID you’re interested in.
• remote_name: Represents the repository from which you want to gather information, typically denoting sources like Flathub.
• com.example.app: Identifies the application in question by its unique ID.

Example output:

Information for commit d3f4hg8d of application com.example.app:
  ID: com.example.app
  Ref: app/com.example.app/x86_64/stable
  Architecture: x86_64
  Date: 2023-07-15
  Subject: Major update to version 3.0
  Download size: 20.0 MB
  Installed size: 50.0 MB
  Runtime: org.freedesktop.Platform/x86_64/21.08

  Permissions:
      ipc       network       pulseaudio
      x11       dri           file access [2]

Conclusion:

The flatpak remote-info command serves as an invaluable tool for users and developers alike, providing essential insights into applications’ current and historical states. Each use case demonstrates a practical scenario where this command can add significant value, from making informed installation choices to understanding the evolution of software versions. Emphasizing transparency and control, this command helps in managing applications in a Flatpak environment more effectively.