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flymike
Asked: 2020-05-16 11:36:44 +0800 CST

Notepad++ does not show files mapped under "Z" drive

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Notepad++ installed from Ubuntu Software (snap package) maps the root FS to a "Z" drive.

But, when launched, File Open only shows the top level of directories under "/". For example, File Open will show /var but not /var/log - even though both of those directories are world-read.

Similarly, if NPP is launched against, for example, /var/log/syslog (when that file is made world-readable) - NPP shows the error "Can not open file 'Z:\var\log\syslog'".

Is there any way around this?

snap

1 Answers

  1. Best Answer

    Snaps are designed to prevent access to unusual places (like system directories), so this seems like expected behavior.

    Snaps use multiple layers of permissions:

    • Snapd Interfaces
    • The snap's AppArmor profile
    • The filesystem ownership and permissions.

    Take a look at https://snapcraft.io/docs/snap-layouts for an example of how snaps are designed to keep guardrails up between nosy tourists and the spinning gears.

    If you want full access to all files for yourself, a snap-based text-editor may not be the best way to go. Instead, you have other options:

    • A deb-based or manually installed text editor
    • On Snap-only Ubuntu Core, you can use the built-in vim editor
    • You can copy the file to a readable location (like your /home)
    • If you're being denied access to a commonly-used location, consider filing a bug report with the snap's author so they can explicitly add permission.

    There's really no simple way to override a snap application's access permission. That would be a glaring security hole.

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