How to simplify Flatpak app installation on the KDE Plasma desktop

The way forward for Linux software supply is Flatpak and Snap. If you happen to’re undecided what these two applied sciences are, I’ve defined them and their significance in “What are Flatpak and Snap and why are they so essential to Linux?” Basically, each Flatpak and Snap are common bundle managers that make it simpler to put in much more functions on Linux. 

Additionally: How to decide on the proper Linux desktop distribution for you

And with each Flatpak and Snap, you may set up third-party (non-open-source) functions like Spotify and Slack (that might in any other case be a bit difficult to put in for these not accustomed to the command line). 

In different phrases, Flatpak and Snap make it far simpler to put in the functions you want on Linux. 

Additionally: The very best Linux laptops

The issue is, out of the field, many Linux distributions would possibly embody Snap and Flatpak, however they do not configure the desktop in such a method that both of those applied sciences is constructed into the GUI app shops. Due to that, with a view to set up a Flatpak app, you’d must challenge a command like:

flatpak set up spotify

OK, that is not even remotely difficult however in case you’re not used to the command line, operating one thing so simple as that may be a bit daunting. Such is the case with many KDE Plasma distributions. For instance, KDE Neon (which is a distribution that does an important job of displaying off what KDE Plasma can do), ships with Flatpak put in, however assist is not rolled into the Uncover app retailer. 

Additionally: Methods to set up Linux functions from the command line

I need to present you how one can repair that. As soon as you’ve got taken care of this, you may be putting in all of the apps you want, with out having to trouble with the command line.

Honest warning, you do have to make use of the command line to set this up. Happily, all you may must do is copy and paste a single command.

Talking of which, let’s get to it.

Methods to allow Flatpak assist in KDE Plasma’s app retailer

What you may want: I am going to show this on KDE Neon, which is a Ubuntu-based distribution. If you happen to’re utilizing a non-Ubuntu-based distribution, you may have to change the set up command accordingly (similar to switching out apt-get for dnf, when utilizing a Fedora-based distribution).

With that in thoughts, it is time to copy and paste.

sudo apt-get set up plasma-discover-backend-flatpak plasma-discover -y

Methods to set up a Flatpak app in Uncover

The excellent news is, putting in a Flatpak software in Uncover is as straightforward as putting in some other. To do that, click on the Uncover icon in your KDE Plasma panel. When Uncover opens, seek for Slack. Within the Slack itemizing, you may discover it is labeled with the Flatpak icon (which signifies it is a Flatpak app). Click on Set up and the set up will start. 

The one factor to notice is putting in Flatpak apps is not fairly as quick as putting in common functions. That’s as a result of the scale of the obtain file is significantly bigger than an everyday software (as a result of the Flatpak app consists of all the required dependencies). 

Additionally: 8 issues you are able to do with Linux that you may’t do with MacOS or Home windows 

As soon as the appliance is put in, you may open it out of your desktop menu and use it precisely as you’ll on some other desktop.

Congratulations, my good friend, you not solely expanded the quantity (and kinds) of functions you may add to the Linux desktop, however you additionally made it simpler to take action.