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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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What are your thoughts on Flatpak/Flathub? (flathub.org)

submitted 8 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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How does it stack up against traditional package management and others like AUR and Nix?

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

AUR is similar to flathub in that most packages aren't thoroughly checked. Except for the packaging guidelines which usually have to be followed. I'm not sure how in depth nixpkgs or other distros check the source of packages of new maintainers.

Flatpak runs on all distros and supports sandboxing, which makes it a great addition to all distro repos. AUR can cause issues with dependencies and unmaintained packages, and the make file should be read since it's run with root privileges. Additionally the AUR only works on Arch Linux. Breakage isn't a risk with Nix and it's seamless rollback, but has to be installed deeply into the system (/nix)

My personally preferred package manager for most GUI apps is flatpak. Nix is great because it allows to install packages declaratively.

Edit: NixOS -> Nix

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Except on NixOS, where it's possible to install packages declaratively.

Why only use nix on nixos?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

You're right. I've never tried installing a wm with Nix on another distro, but it should be possible.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago

Half of the packages on my system are debian, the other half is nix. It's a really good combo, and home-manager makes it easy.