Lab Activity

Flatpak Application Management

Learn to work with Flatpak by setting up repositories, installing apps, viewing permissions, and managing software.

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Overview

Flatpak is a modern, cross-distribution package management system designed to run applications in secure, sandboxed environments. It enables Linux users to install and run the same application on any distribution without worrying about dependency conflicts or compatibility issues. This lab introduces you to Flatpak fundamentals, including repository configuration, application installation, permission management, and removal. Flatpak is especially valuable for administrators and developers who need consistent application behavior across multiple Linux systems. By mastering Flatpak, you will be able to deploy GUI and CLI tools efficiently, manage updates centrally, and ensure application isolation for improved security.

In This Lab, You’ll Learn How To

  • Install Flatpak: Learn the commands to install Flatpak on your system and verify its presence.
  • Configure Repositories: Add and manage repositories such as Flathub, the primary hub for Flatpak applications.
  • Search for Applications: Find software packages in Flatpak repositories using keywords.
  • Install Applications (GUI & CLI): Install both graphical and command-line tools from Flathub.
  • View and Manage Installed Applications: List installed Flatpak apps, check permissions, and review detailed metadata.
  • Run and Test Applications: Launch installed Flatpak apps like ncspot (terminal-based Spotify client) and mpw (Master Password CLI Generator).
  • Manage Application Permissions: Inspect sandbox permissions to understand Flatpak’s security model.
  • Uninstall Applications and Clean Up: Remove applications, unused runtimes, and repositories to maintain a clean system.

Understanding Flatpak

Flatpak provides a universal packaging format that isolates applications from the underlying system. Applications run in a sandbox with controlled access to system resources, which improves both portability and security.

Key Features of Flatpak

  1. Cross-Distribution Support: The same application package works across different Linux distributions.
  2. Sandboxed Applications: Applications are isolated, reducing the risk of security vulnerabilities.
  3. Centralized Repository (Flathub): Hosts thousands of applications, simplifying installation and updates.
  4. User-Level Installation: Install applications without requiring administrator privileges.
  5. Granular Permissions: Control application access to files, devices, and the network.

Command Examples

  • Install Flatpak: sudo dnf install flatpak -y
  • Add Flathub Repository: flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
  • Install an Application: flatpak install flathub io.github.hrkfdn.ncspot -y
 

Learning Outcomes

  • Install and Configure Flatpak: Gain hands-on experience in setting up Flatpak and managing repositories.
  • Search, Install, and Launch Apps: Learn to find and install applications from Flathub.
  • Manage Application Permissions: Understand Flatpak’s security model by inspecting and adjusting permissions.
  • Remove and Clean Up: Learn how to properly remove applications and unused runtimes to save disk space.

Why Flatpak is Essential

Flatpak is a critical skill for modern Linux system administrators and desktop users who value security, portability, and ease of deployment. It simplifies software distribution in heterogeneous environments and allows you to run the latest versions of software regardless of your base system’s package availability.

Real-World Benefits

  • Security: Sandboxed applications protect your system from potentially malicious behavior.
  • Portability: The same application can be deployed across multiple Linux distributions without modification.
  • Latest Software Access: Install up-to-date versions of applications without waiting for distribution maintainers.
  • User Flexibility: Allows installation without root access, empowering non-administrative users.

Conclusion

By completing this lab, you will develop practical skills in installing, managing, and troubleshooting Flatpak applications. From adding repositories to running secure sandboxed applications, you will gain the knowledge needed to use Flatpak effectively in both professional and personal environments. Mastering Flatpak will help you maintain a consistent application experience across different systems while keeping security and compatibility in mind.

© RHCSA GURU, Singapore
© RHCSA GURU, Singapore