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Asked: 2024-09-27T03:37:32+05:30 In:

What is the rationale behind the installation of snapd through both apt and snap in Ubuntu?

So, I’ve been diving deep into Ubuntu lately, and I’ve stumbled upon something that’s bugging me a bit. You know how we can install snapd through both the apt package manager and snap itself? I mean, what’s the deal with that? It feels a bit redundant to me, and I can’t quite wrap my head around the rationale behind having both options available for the same tool.

Like, I get that snap is supposed to offer a more streamlined and isolated way to install software, keeping those nice little dependencies bundled up nice and neat. But then there’s apt, which is the traditional way most of us have been installing software on Ubuntu for ages. When I first started using snap, I thought it was just a new way to package apps. So, why did they decide to allow us to install snapd via both?

It’s not like Ubuntu isn’t known for being user-friendly. I mean, by offering both methods, are they trying to cater to different types of users? The newbies who are getting their feet wet, and maybe some seasoned sysadmins or developers who prefer good old apt because they’ve always used it?

Also, I’ve heard some mixed opinions on the reliability and performance of snaps compared to standard packages. I wonder if that’s part of the reason they’ve adopted this dual approach? It feels like they’re trying to give folks a choice, but wouldn’t it just simplify things if we all stuck to one method?

And let’s talk about updates—oh boy! We have automatic updates with snap, which is great, but then you have to manually update stuff with apt. Isn’t that a bit of a hassle for users who don’t want to manage two different systems for potentially the same applications?

I’m genuinely curious about what others think. Is this a clever way to support various user needs, or is it just complicating things? What’s your take on why snapd is accessible through both apt and snap? Let’s hear your thoughts!

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    2 Answers



    1. Understanding snapd Installation Options in Ubuntu

      The presence of both apt and snap as methods to install snapd in Ubuntu indeed reflects a desire to cater to diverse user preferences and experiences. For newcomers, apt serves as a familiar gateway into the Linux ecosystem, allowing them to leverage a tool they might be more accustomed to, while seasoned users appreciate the power and flexibility of snap. This dual approach allows users to choose the method that aligns with their comfort level and workflow: apt for those who prefer traditional package management, and snap for those seeking a more modern, dependency-packed installation method that can streamline the update and rollback processes. However, this can also lead to confusion for users who are unsure which method to use, potentially compounding the complexity of package management on their systems.

      Regarding software updates, the distinction is indeed significant; snap offers automatic updates, which many users welcome, while the manual nature of apt updates could feel cumbersome, especially when managing multiple applications from different sources. This split may stem from the underlying philosophies of how software should be distributed and maintained in Linux environments. On one hand, it allows for more granular control over what gets installed and when, but on the other, it risks fragmentation of user experience and management consistency. In essence, while this dual availability aims to respect the preferences of various users, it raises valid concerns about efficiency and simplicity. Ultimately, the choice may not just be about having options; it’s about balancing ease of use with the flexibility required by a broad spectrum of users.




    2. Discussion on Snapd in Ubuntu

      Why Can You Install Snapd via Apt and Snap?

      So, I’ve been diving into Ubuntu lately, and I’ve stumbled upon something that’s bugging me a bit. You know how we can install snapd through both the apt package manager and snap itself? I mean, what’s the deal with that? It feels a bit redundant to me, and I can’t quite wrap my head around the rationale behind having both options available for the same tool.

      Like, I get that snap is supposed to offer a more streamlined and isolated way to install software, keeping those nice little dependencies bundled up nice and neat. But then there’s apt, which is the traditional way most of us have been installing software on Ubuntu for ages. When I first started using snap, I thought it was just a new way to package apps. So, why did they decide to allow us to install snapd via both?

      It’s not like Ubuntu isn’t known for being user-friendly. I mean, by offering both methods, are they trying to cater to different types of users? The newbies who are getting their feet wet, and maybe some seasoned sysadmins or developers who prefer good old apt because they’ve always used it?

      Also, I’ve heard some mixed opinions on the reliability and performance of snaps compared to standard packages. I wonder if that’s part of the reason they’ve adopted this dual approach? It feels like they’re trying to give folks a choice, but wouldn’t it just simplify things if we all stuck to one method?

      And let’s talk about updates—oh boy! We have automatic updates with snap, which is great, but then you have to manually update stuff with apt. Isn’t that a bit of a hassle for users who don’t want to manage two different systems for potentially the same applications?

      I’m genuinely curious about what others think. Is this a clever way to support various user needs, or is it just complicating things? What’s your take on why snapd is accessible through both apt and snap? Let’s hear your thoughts!


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