This tutorial explains computer users how to quickly, easily download and install applications on GNU/Linux by using Flatpak. Flatpak, with its apps download website Flathub.org, is a new technology to make end-users easily get apps they want regardless their distro choices and versions. We will learn by example using Fedora Workstation here and it is applicable to other distros. Let's start app hunting!

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I Want To Know Flatpak!

What is Flatpak? Simple explanation can go this way: Flatpak to GNU/Linux users is similar to how Android and iOS users download, install, update and remove their applications in a standardized way. Speaking about package file formats: Android's APK, iOS' IPA, and GNU/Linux's Flatpak. Speaking about app download center: Android's Play Store, iOS' AppStore, and GNU/Linux's Flathub. Lastly, among unique benefits of Flatpak is that end-users can install applications regardless their distro versions.

Requirement

You would need a suitable OS and a wealthy internet. The best practice is to use an operating system that supports Flatpak by default. We already published the article so you can choose one and here we pick Fedora Workstation. For Ubuntu and other distros, simply follow the guide at Flathub.org. Please beware as playing with Flatpak would require a lot of internet access so your data quota may empty quickly practicing this.

Preparation

Before doing step 1, please do this preparation first. On web browser, visit Flatpak Setup for Fedora → click Flathub Repository File button there → GNOME Software opened → click INSTALL → Flathub.org added as your new download center for applications → restart your computer. You are now ready for step 1.

Step 1. Get Started

Run your Software Center → at first run, wait until it finished downloading software catalog → when it displays applications on screen, it's ready.

Step 2. Visit Flathub

Run your web browser → visit https://flathub.org → take your time exploring applications there → proceed to next step. You will use one of these to practice the next step.

Several good applications and games we recommend:

• OBS Studio: professional livestreaming, video recording and screencasting tool.
  
• Xonotic: first person shooting game with nice 3D graphics, fast gameplay, and multiplayer option you can play with friends.
• Zeroad: ancient warfare real-time strategy game similar to Age of Empires.
  
• Tuxmath: clever game to make kids love math by playing with cute Penguins.
  
• Joplin: writing and note taking use-everywhere app similar and compatible to Evernote.

 

Step 3. Install Application

1. On your web browser: pick one application at Flathub.org, let's say 0AD.

2. Click INSTALL.

3. Pick 'Open With: Software Install' and Download.

4. GNOME Software will display the application and click INSTALL.

5. App installed. 

6. Repeat 1-5 for any other apps from Flathub.org.

 

Step 4. Install Applications with just Software Center

Lastly, you can use only Software Center without web browser to install apps from Flathub.org as long as Flathub.org is already added. 

1. Open GNOME Software. 

2. Search for applications and pick one, let's say, Joplin.

⭐ NOTE: Software will inform you whether an app is from Flathub (dl.flathub.org) at the top-right corner or right below the screenshot picture section.

3. Click install. 

4. Application installed.

5. Repeat 1-4 for any other applications.

If you do not find any Flathub apps, do Preparation Step above. That's all!

Happy working!

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This article is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.