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Asked: 2024-09-26T11:08:55+05:30 In:

What are the distinctions between Snap, Snapd, and Snappy in the context of Ubuntu?

I’ve been diving into Linux lately, specifically Ubuntu, and I keep stumbling across these terms—Snap, Snapd, and Snappy—and I can’t quite wrap my head around the differences. It’s like they’re all related, but I just can’t figure out how!

From what I gather, Snap seems to refer to the actual package format used to install apps, but then there’s Snapd, which I assume is the service that handles these Snap packages. And then there’s Snappy, which seems to be a tool or framework that ties it all together? But how do these components interact with each other, really?

I mean, I get that Snap packages can offer some benefits like dependencies being bundled in, which makes it easier to install and run apps on different systems, but where does Snapd fit into this puzzle? And is Snappy still relevant, or has it morphed into something else over time?

I’d love to hear from anyone who’s dived deep into this stuff. What’s your take on their distinctions? Do most Ubuntu users just care about Snap for installation, or is knowing about Snapd and Snappy also essential for a better understanding of the system? Are there practical situations or examples where you’d need to use one over the others?

Also, how has the introduction of Snap and its associated technologies changed the way you manage applications compared to the traditional methods? I’m curious if any of you have faced challenges with them in your everyday use.

It can get a bit confusing, and I’d really appreciate any insights or experiences you have to share. Let’s figure this out together rather than leaving it as a puzzle! What do you think?

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    2 Answers

    1. In the context of Ubuntu, Snap, Snapd, and Snappy are integral components of the modern packaging ecosystem designed to simplify application management. Snap refers to the actual package format used for distributing applications in a containerized manner, ensuring that all necessary dependencies are bundled in with the app itself. This enables developers to create applications that are more portable and less likely to conflict with other software. Snapd is the background service that manages the installation, updating, and removal of Snap packages. It provides the necessary tools to handle these packages and performs operations like downloading updates automatically. While Snappy initially referred to the framework that facilitated the development and management of Snaps, its usage has declined, with Snap and Snapd being the more relevant terms today.

      Understanding these distinctions is important, but for most Ubuntu users, familiarity with Snap is often sufficient for everyday application installations. However, a deeper knowledge of Snapd can enhance users’ ability to manage updates and troubleshoot issues effectively. Practical examples where understanding Snapd is critical include managing stuck updates or dealing with application permission issues that arise due to Snap’s confinement features. The transition to using Snap packages over traditional methods, such as .deb or tarball installations, has introduced both advantages and challenges. Users may appreciate the ease of installation and the reduced risk of dependency issues, but some might encounter problems with Snap confinement, performance overhead, or slower startup times for certain applications. Overall, the evolution of Snap technology encourages a more streamlined approach to application management, albeit with a learning curve for those accustomed to older methods.


    2. Understanding Snap, Snapd, and Snappy in Ubuntu

      So, you’ve found yourself in the world of Ubuntu and came across Snap, Snapd, and Snappy. I totally get that it can feel a bit like a puzzle! Here’s how I see it:

      • Snap: This is the actual package format. Think of it like a .deb file for Debian-based systems, but Snap packages can run in a more isolated environment, which means they can bundle their dependencies together. So if an app needs a specific version of a library, it can bring it with it!
      • Snapd: This is the background service that handles all things Snap. It’s like the postman for your Snap packages—it installs them, updates them, and keeps track of everything for you. So when you run a command like snap install , it’s Snapd doing the work in the background.
      • Snappy: Snappy used to refer to the technology and tools behind Snap, but nowadays it often feels like a historical term. Most of the functionality that Snappy offered has merged into Snapd, so you don’t really need to worry about it much anymore.

      In practice, this means that when you want to install software on your Ubuntu system, you mainly focus on Snap. Snapd is doing its job silently in the background. Most users probably don’t need to understand Snapd deeply unless they’re troubleshooting or managing multiple snaps.

      As for how this changes the way we manage applications, it’s pretty cool! No more worrying about broken dependencies since everything is bundled together. But sometimes, people run into issues with Snap apps being a bit slower to launch compared to traditional packages because of the way they’re sandboxed.

      Also, not every app has a Snap package yet, so you might find yourself going back to regular apt installs sometimes. That can be a little annoying, but overall, it’s nice to have the choice!

      So yeah, you’re definitely not alone in feeling puzzled about it all. Just remember: Snap is the package, Snapd is the service, and Snappy is kind of old news. Dive in, experiment a bit, and you’ll start to see how it all fits together!


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