How to use the command 'flatpak run' (with examples)

Flatpak is a software utility for software deployment, application virtualization, and package management for Linux. It provides a sandbox environment in which users can run applications, isolating them from the rest of the system. The command flatpak run is employed to execute these Flatpak applications and runtimes, making it an essential function for users who want to manage or execute applications in this ecosystem. This article explores various use cases to illustrate how to use this command effectively.

Use Case 1: Running an Installed Application

Code:

flatpak run com.example.app

Motivation: Many users prefer using Flatpak to manage and run applications due to its ability to keep software up to date with the latest releases. This specific command helps in running an installed Flatpak application seamlessly. The motivation behind this use case is the ease of launching applications directly from the terminal without worrying about dependencies or conflicts with other software libraries.

Explanation:

• flatpak: This is the core command name that indicates the request to use Flatpak.
• run: A subcommand that explicitly directs Flatpak to execute a specific application or runtime.
• com.example.app: This is the unique application identifier that specifies which installed Flatpak application should be executed. The identifier typically follows a reverse domain name convention.

Example output: Upon successful execution of the command, the application identified by com.example.app launches, allowing the user to interact with it directly. No additional terminal output is required unless there are errors prompting messages to debug or logs for troubleshooting purposes.

Use Case 2: Running an Installed Application from a Specific Branch

Code:

flatpak run --branch=stable|beta|master|... com.example.app

Motivation: Applications often have multiple branches (versions) like stable, beta, or master. This use case is particularly useful for developers and early adopters who want to test new features or for users who prefer using the most stable releases. By specifying a branch, users can experience different versions of the application without affecting their core installation.

Explanation:

• flatpak: The Flatpak utility operating system command.
• run: Directs the utility to execute an application.
• --branch=stable|beta|master|...: The --branch option allows users to select a specific branch of application development they wish to use. For instance, stable usually provides a tested and confirmed version, beta introduces pre-release features for feedback, and master often contains the latest development features.
• com.example.app: The application identifier representing the target Flatpak app.

Example output: Executing the command with a specified branch runs the version of the application from that branch. Users may witness the minor differences in UI, stability, or feature set based on the branch chosen. Log messages may appear if there are discrepancies in versioning or if updating is needed.

Use Case 3: Running an Interactive Shell Inside a Flatpak

Code:

flatpak run --command=sh com.example.app

Motivation: This use case caters to power users and developers who want to explore an application’s environment more deeply by accessing an interactive shell within the sandbox. It equips users with the capability to check runtime configurations, execute commands, or troubleshoot issues within the application environment through shell interactions.

Explanation:

• flatpak: The utility’s command to initiate the process.
• run: Indicates that the application identified needs execution or interaction.
• --command=sh: Instead of executing the default application process, --command=sh tells Flatpak to run the shell (sh) inside the application sandbox. This provides direct access to the application’s environment.
• com.example.app: The identifier for the Flatpak application of interest.

Example output: Upon execution, users find themselves in a shell environment within the application’s context. Here, they can enter commands as they would typically do in any terminal shell. The output will be the result of those commands, akin to what one would expect outside the Flatpak, but within the parameters and constraints of the application sandbox.

Conclusion:

The flatpak run command is a versatile and integral part of the Flatpak system, offering users several ways to interact with and manage their applications. From launching a stable release to experimenting with new beta features or probing into an app’s environment via an interactive shell, these commands fulfill various needs while maintaining separation and consistency in user experiences across Linux systems.