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dln949
Asked: 2017-10-06 18:28:59 +0800 CST

Is there a tool that comprehensively shows/manages all applications?

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I am looking for something similar to Synaptic for debian packages, but a tool that manages not only debian packages, but also installed AppImages, flatpak, and snap.

I think it would be very nice to have just one tool/place to see and manage all that is installed.

The way it is now, when an app is updated, I can't recall how I previously installed it - Do I download the debian file, or the appimage, or the flatpak, in order to do the update? So, I have to go hunting around in my system in order to know how I should handle the update.

So..... Is there such a tool?

package-management

1 Answers

  1. In Ubuntu 19.04 (it will feature the majority of Gnome 3.32): A new ‘Applications‘ panel has been created by developers that offers users more control over the majority of locally installed applications, including Flatpak and repo apps, and on a per-app basis. Access is with Settings > Applications, it lists all installed applications (repo and Flatpak, probably not AppImage but we will see). There is a button to Open in Software where you can uninstall it.

    In Ubuntu 18.04 the Ubuntu Software shows in the tab installed "regular" deb apps (installed in the Ubuntu software or via apt get install in a terminal), snap and flatpak apps but not yet AppImage apps (see thread on the latter).
    And it let's you all also install snap apps as well as flatpaks app, but not yet AppImages (but volunteers are welcome).
    When you click on an app, the details shows what source it uses:
    enter image description here

    Snap apps should be available and shown by default in the Ubuntu Software.
    For Flatpacks you have to install a plugin. It is recommended to first add the official Flatpak PPA to be able to install Flatpaks. To install it, run the following in a terminal: 

    sudo add-apt-repository ppa:alexlarsson/flatpak
sudo apt update
sudo apt install flatpak

    The Flatpak plugin for the Ubuntu Software app (which is based on GNOME Software) makes it possible to install apps without needing the command line and to see the flatpaks in the Ubuntu Software. To install, run:

    sudo apt install gnome-software-plugin-flatpak

    You can add the Flathub repository to easily get flatpaks

    flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

    To complete setup, restart your system. Now all you have to do is install some apps!
    Source: Flatpak.org

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