How to Install and Use Snap Packages on Linux

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Package ManagementSnapSoftwareInstallationApplicationsCanonicalUpdatesCommand LineRepositoriesUser Management

Linux is a widely used operating system, known for its robustness, versatility, and freedom. One of the key elements that contribute to this freedom is the extensive library of software available for Linux, including various ways to install these software packages. Out of these methods, Snap packages are a relatively new concept that adds a lot of value to the Linux ecosystem. In this detailed guide, we will learn how to install and use Snap packages on a Linux system, providing a comprehensive overview and easy-to-follow instructions.

What are Snap packages?

Snap packages, often simply called snaps, are a type of software packaging format developed by Canonical, the maker of Ubuntu. Snaps are self-contained, meaning they come with all the dependencies and libraries needed to run the application. This encapsulation allows for a consistent and reliable experience across different Linux distributions. Snap packages run in a sandboxed environment, increasing security and compatibility.

Why use Snap packages?

Using Snap packages may be preferred for several reasons:

• Cross-distribution compatibility: Snap packages can be installed on almost any Linux distribution, including Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Arch Linux, etc.
• Easy to Install: With a single command you can install the application without worrying about dependencies.
• Regular updates: Snap packages can receive automatic updates, ensuring you’ll always have the latest version.
• Sandboxing: Snaps are isolated from the rest of the system, increasing security.
• Version control: Snaps can maintain multiple versions, allowing easy reversion to previous versions if necessary.

Installing Snap on your Linux distribution

Installation on Ubuntu

Since Snap is developed by Canonical, it comes pre-installed on recent versions of Ubuntu. To check if Snap is installed, you can run the following command in the terminal:

snap --version

If Snap is installed, you will see an output indicating the version. If it is not installed, you can install it using the following:

sudo apt update sudo apt install snapd

Installation on other Linux distributions

Installing Snap on a non-Ubuntu distribution may require additional steps depending on the distribution. Below are general steps for some popular distributions:

Fedora

On Fedora, you can enable the EPEL repository and then install the snap using the following command:

sudo dnf install epel-release sudo dnf install snapd sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socket sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap

Arch Linux

For Arch Linux users, Snap can be installed from the Arch User Repository (AUR) as follows:

sudo pacman -S snapd sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socket sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap

Debian

Debian users can install Snap using:

sudo apt update sudo apt install snapd sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socket sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap

Sometimes a reboot is necessary

After installation, it may be necessary to reboot your system for the changes to take effect, especially when the Snap is installed for the first time. This ensures that all session or path changes are recognized correctly.

Using Snap packages

Once Snap is installed on your system, you can start installing Snap packages. snap command is used to manage Snaps on your system, and it provides a number of options and commands to find, install, remove, and manage Snap packages.

Exploring Snap packages

You can search for available Snap packages using the find command. For example, if you are looking for Snap packages related to media players, you can use the following command:

snap find media player

Snap will return a list of packages matching the search criteria, including a short description and version information.

Installing Snap packages

Once you find the Snap package you want to install, you can install it using install command. For example, to install VLC, a popular media player, you can use:

sudo snap install vlc

Snap will download and install the specified package, as well as all required components. The installed application is now ready to use.

Listing installed Snap packages

You can use the following to see a list of all Snap packages installed on your system:

snap list

This command will display a table with the name, version, revision, and publisher of each installed Snap package.

Updating Snap packages

Snap packages are designed to update automatically, but you can also update your snaps manually using refresh command:

sudo snap refresh

This command will check for updates and apply them to your installed Snap packages if they’re available.

Removing Snap packages

If you want to remove a Snap package, you can do so using the remove command. For example, to remove VLC, you can use the following command:

sudo snap remove vlc

This command will uninstall the Snap package from your system.

Advanced Snap usage

Configuring Snap packages

Some Snap packages come with configurable options. You can view the available configurations for a Snap package using the following:

snap get <snap-name>

For example, if VLC has some specific configurable settings, they will be displayed like this:

snap get vlc

You can then set the configuration using set :

sudo snap set vlc <key>=<value>

Managing Snap channels

Snap packages have different release channels. Common channels include:

• Stable: The most stable and tested version, suitable for most users.
• Candidate: A release candidate, almost stable but some marginal cases may be unproven.
• Beta: Released for testing but not suitable for a production environment.
• Edge: The latest build, suitable for developers and testers who want the latest features and can handle potential bugs.

You can specify the channel when installing a snap or when switching channels for an installed snap. For example:

sudo snap install vlc --channel=candidate

To switch an installed package to a different channel:

sudo snap refresh vlc --channel=stable

Common Snap commands

Here is a summary of some useful Snap commands:

• snap version : Displays version information about snapd and the snap command.
• snap list : Lists all installed snaps.
• snap find <search-term> : Searches for packages.
• sudo snap install <package-name> : Installs a Snap package.
• sudo snap remove <package-name> : Removes a Snap package.
• sudo snap refresh : Updates installed Snap packages.
• snap info <snap-name> : Provides detailed information about a snap package.
• sudo snap revert <snap-name> : Reverts the snap to a previous version.
• snap connections <snap-name> : Shows the interfaces connected by a snap.

Troubleshooting Snap problems

Despite their convenience, Snap packages can sometimes present problems during installation or use. Some common problems include networking issues, access permissions, and environment path conflicts. Below are some troubleshooting tips:

Common issues and solutions

• Network issues: Make sure you're connected to the Internet before you install or update snaps.
• Permission Denied: Some snaps require superuser privileges. Use `sudo` for commands that require administrative access.
• Command not found: Verify that your snap bin directory is in your system's PATH. It is usually installed in `/snap/bin`.

Getting Help

If problems with the snap command persist, consider checking online forums, Snapcraft documentation, or community support sites for possible solutions. Community-driven support can provide practical insights and unique solutions from experienced users who have encountered similar problems.

Conclusion

Snap packages provide a straightforward, consistent way to install and manage software on Linux systems. With capabilities such as cross-distribution compatibility, automatic updates, and an easy-to-use command set, Snaps have become popular among both casual users and developers. Although some challenges remain, such as network and permission issues, Snaps continually improve, providing new features and enhancing the user experience. With this guide, you should be equipped to start using Snap packages effectively on your Linux system.

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