In this short article we will learn how to install Snap on Fedora 38 operating system.
Introduction
In the world of Linux, software distribution and package management can be a complex and often fragmented process. Different distributions use different package formats and package managers, making it challenging for developers to create software that’s compatible across various Linux flavors. Enter Snapd, a software package and management system that aims to simplify software distribution by providing a universal package format that works across different Linux distributions.
What is Snapd?
Snapd is the package manager and runtime environment for Snap packages. A Snap package is a self-contained software package that includes all the necessary libraries and dependencies to run the application. These packages are designed to be portable across Linux distributions, making it easier for developers to distribute and users to install software. Snapd is developed and maintained by Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, but it is available for a wide range of Linux distributions.
Key Features of Snapd
- Cross-Distribution Compatibility. Snap packages are designed to work on various Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, CentOS, and more. This cross-compatibility simplifies software distribution for developers.
- Sandboxing. Snap packages run in a confined environment, which enhances security by isolating the application from the rest of the system. This sandboxing helps prevent potential conflicts and vulnerabilities.
- Automatic Updates. Snap packages are configured to receive automatic updates, ensuring that users always have access to the latest versions and security patches.
- Transaction Rollback. Snapd includes a feature that allows you to roll back to a previous version of a Snap package if an update causes issues. This is especially helpful for system stability.
- Dependency Management. Snap packages include all the necessary dependencies, reducing the chances of compatibility issues with the underlying system libraries.
Key Features of Snapd
- Cross-Distribution Compatibility. Snap packages are designed to work on various Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, CentOS, and more. This cross-compatibility simplifies software distribution for developers.
- Sandboxing. Snap packages run in a confined environment, which enhances security by isolating the application from the rest of the system. This sandboxing helps prevent potential conflicts and vulnerabilities.
- Automatic Updates. Snap packages are configured to receive automatic updates, ensuring that users always have access to the latest versions and security patches.
- Transaction Rollback. Snapd includes a feature that allows you to roll back to a previous version of a Snap package if an update causes issues. This is especially helpful for system stability.
- Dependency Management. Snap packages include all the necessary dependencies, reducing the chances of compatibility issues with the underlying system libraries.
How To Install Snapd
The installation Snapd process may vary slightly depending on our distribution. Here’s a general overview of the installation process:
- Update Fedora Linux System
- Install Snapd on Fedora
- Enable classic snap support on Fedora
- Verify snapd installation
Step 1: Update Fedora Linux System
Before installing new package on the Fedora system, we are advised to update our system first. For this purpose we will submit following command line :
$ sudo dnf clean all $ sudo dnf update
Step 2: Install Snapd on Fedora
At this point, we will install snapd by submitting command line :
$ sudo dnf install snapd
Output :
ramansah@bckinfo ~]$ sudo dnf install snapd [sudo] password for ramansah: Last metadata expiration check: 2:35:03 ago on Wed 08 Nov 2023 02:15:42 AM CET. Dependencies resolved. ================================================================================================================== Package Architecture Version Repository Size ================================================================================================================== Installing: snapd x86_64 2.58.3-1.fc38 fedora 15 M Installing dependencies: snap-confine x86_64 2.58.3-1.fc38 fedora 2.7 M snapd-selinux noarch 2.58.3-1.fc38 fedora 192 k Transaction Summary ================================================================================================================== Install 3 Packages Total download size: 18 M Installed size: 63 M Is this ok [y/N]: y Downloading Packages: (1/3): snapd-selinux-2.58.3-1.fc38.noarch.rpm 43 kB/s | 192 kB 00:04 (2/3): snap-confine-2.58.3-1.fc38.x86_64.rpm 613 kB/s | 2.7 MB 00:04 (3/3): snapd-2.58.3-1.fc38.x86_64.rpm 761 kB/s | 15 MB 00:20 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total 854 kB/s | 18 MB 00:21 Running transaction check Transaction check succeeded. Running transaction test Transaction test succeeded. Running transaction Preparing : 1/1 Running scriptlet: snapd-selinux-2.58.3-1.fc38.noarch 1/3 Installing : snapd-selinux-2.58.3-1.fc38.noarch 1/3 Running scriptlet: snapd-selinux-2.58.3-1.fc38.noarch 1/3 Installing : snap-confine-2.58.3-1.fc38.x86_64 2/3 Installing : snapd-2.58.3-1.fc38.x86_64 3/3 Running scriptlet: snapd-2.58.3-1.fc38.x86_64 3/3 Created symlink /etc/systemd/system/sockets.target.wants/snapd.socket → /usr/lib/systemd/system/snapd.socket. Created symlink /etc/systemd/user/sockets.target.wants/snapd.session-agent.socket → /usr/lib/systemd/user/snapd.session-agent.socket. Running scriptlet: snapd-selinux-2.58.3-1.fc38.noarch 3/3 Running scriptlet: snapd-2.58.3-1.fc38.x86_64 3/3 Verifying : snap-confine-2.58.3-1.fc38.x86_64 1/3 Verifying : snapd-2.58.3-1.fc38.x86_64 2/3 Verifying : snapd-selinux-2.58.3-1.fc38.noarch 3/3 Installed: snap-confine-2.58.3-1.fc38.x86_64 snapd-2.58.3-1.fc38.x86_64 snapd-selinux-2.58.3-1.fc38.noarch Complete!
Step 3 : Enable classic snap support on Fedora
Snaps is using classic confinement, it requires a symlink from /var/lib/snapd/snap to /snap. For this purpose we will submit following command line :
$ sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap
Step 4 : Verify snapd installation
We will verify the snapd version by submitting command line :
$ snap version
Output :
[ramansah@bckinfo ~]$ snap version snap 2.58.3-1.fc38 snapd 2.58.3-1.fc38 series 16 fedora 38
Conclusion
Snapd simplifies the process of managing software on Linux by providing a universal packaging format that works seamlessly across various distributions. It streamlines software distribution for developers and offers users a reliable and secure way to access applications. Whether you’re using Ubuntu or another Linux distribution, Snapd can help you access a wide range of software quickly and easily.
