What distro of Linux should we target?

General
21

I think if we have a “proper” installation for the distro, it might be better for picking up new users.

22

Rather than fixating on a distro, a format or an App Store, why not just deploy as AppImage? Bottom line: one deployment runs everywhere.

Advantages

  • Portability: No installation or root privileges required.

  • Side-by-Side Versions: You can run different versions of the same application simultaneously.

  • Easy Removal: Simply delete the file.

This is a fully portable distribution that works on the vast majority of dependencies are included so larger but works pretty much everywhere, including Ubuntu- and Arch-based distros. It’s the closest thing to a macOS .dmg type distribution.

AppImages are highly compatible with Ubuntu and Arch. I have several apps installed as appimage on Omarchy and they all run beautifully.

How to Use AppImages

  1. Download: Download the .AppImage file.

  2. Make Executable: Set the file permissions (see below).

  3. Run: Double-click the file, or run it from the terminal with ./your-app.AppImage.

Main requirement: FUSE (Filesystem in Userspace): AppImages require FUSE to run. If not present: sudo apt install libfuse2t64

The app needs to be executable: chmod +x your-app.AppImage, or via the system GUI.

By default, AppImages do not appear in your application menu.

  • AppImageLauncher: This tool automatically integrates AppImages, allowing them to appear in your app menu and handling updates.

  • Manual Integration: You can create a .desktop file to manually add them to your application launcher.

23

Can you post a link to some information on how to make an AppImage?

24

I posted this as a user of, rather than a creator of AppImages.

These links may be helpful:

1 Like
25

Thank you for the link and the write-up