Snap Package Manager on Ubuntu
Snap is a package management system and software deployment. Generally, these packages are termed as snaps. The tool for using snaps is termed as the snap. Snaps are app packages for cloud, IoT and desktop that are easy to install, and cross-platform.
Snaps works across all the Linux distributions so it activates the utilities and latest apps for the cloud, desktop, servers, etc. Snapd is a daemon or process that manages the full environment of snap. The snap tool of this process is used for interacting with snaps. It keeps track of all the installed apps.
Table of Content
What is a Snap in Linux?
A Snap in Linux is a self-contained software package that is designed to work across various Linux distributions. It is developed by Canonical, it includes all the dependencies and libraries required for an application to run, ensuring compatibility and easier management. They are installed, updated, and managed through the Snap Store, providing a secure and straightforward method for software distribution.
Why is Ubuntu using Snap?
The following are some of the reasons for using snap in Ubuntu operating system:
- Cross-Distribution Compatibility: It works seamlessly across various Linux distributions acting as cross-platform software.
- Simplified Dependency Management: It comes with containing all the necessary dependencies to resolve the dependency conflicts.
- Easy Updates and Rollbacks: It facilitates with supporting for automatic updates and rollbacks helping users to always have the latest stable software.
- Enhanced Security: It provides security to the applications with defined permissions, and by isolating them from the core system.
How to install Snap on Ubuntu? A Step-By-Step Guide
The following steps guide in how to install the snap on Ubuntu:
Step 1: Use the below command to update the package
$ sudo apt update 
Step 2: Install snapd using the below command
$ sudo apt install snapd
Step 3: Run the below command to test whether snap is installed or not. This command will give some output which is shown in the below image.
$ sudo snap install hello-world
Step 4: Execute the below command and check the output
$ hello-world
Snap Command Options
The following are the snap command options with their examples.
1. Search application
$ snap find app_name
2. Information about applications
$ snap info app_name
3. List all Installed Applications
$ snap list
4. Updating Applications
$ sudo snap refresh app_name
5. Revert updated applications
$ sudo snap revert app_name
6. Disabling applications
$ sudo snap disable app_name
7. Enable Applications
$ sudo snap enable app_name
8. Removing application
$ sudo snap remove app_name
Note: Replace app_name with specific application's name like postman, vlc, spotify, eclipse --classic etc., in all above commands.
Difference between Snap and Apt
The following are the differences between snap and apt:
Feature | Snap | APT |
|---|---|---|
Comptability | It is cross distribution software that works on various linux distributions | it is specific to debian based distributions only like Ubuntu |
Dependency Management | It is self-contained with all the dependencies including in it | It will relies on the system wide dependencies. |
Update Mechanism | It automatically updates with easy rollback options | It manually make updates through package manager |
Security | The applications are sanboxed with defined permissions | It follows traditional package management with less isolation. |
Conclusion
Snap offers a versatile package management system for Linux, ensuring cross-platform compatibility and simplified dependency handling. Developed by Canonical, Snaps are easy to install and manage, making them ideal for various applications. With `snapd` and the `snap` command, users can seamlessly handle installation, updates, and maintenance.
