Anachron Feb 12, 2023

No, I don't need #flatpak, #appimage, #snap and alike.

It doesn't solve anything and why so many people can't see this is beyond my understanding.

Show threadLeviFeb 12, 2023
@Anachron they don't solve anything for users, but they're great for developers.
Show threadAnachron Feb 12, 2023
@levi what do they solve that other solutions do not?
Show threadLeviFeb 12, 2023
@Anachron a consistent environment. That's the whole point.
Show threadAnachron Feb 12, 2023
@levi can you specify what you mean by that? How does flatpak give you a consistent environment? What would be an inconsistent environment for you?
Show threadLeviFeb 12, 2023
@Anachron take a look at flatpak.org front page. 7 or 8 advantages for developers related to a consistent environment. You don't need to build for n different distros, you just build for flatpak.
Show threadAnachron 

@levi ... but by compiling for flatpak you create new issues you wouldn't have when using the distros build systems?

Plus you force your developer idealogy onto your users. You remove the option for buildtime options. You remove the option for patches.

You basically give up all advantages for nearly zero net gain.

(That is, unless that's exactly your point and you want to force someone to keep the telemetry, ads and alike)

Feb 12, 2023 at 10:10pmWeb
Show threadAnachron Feb 12, 2023

@levi I do know developers sometimes are annoyed by old versions and different setups so that their program/service has issues on non-supported setups.

However, and this is a major issue which you have to admit:

This limits the usefulness of a program *drastically*.

My distro for example compiles and cross-compiles to a lot of ARCHs, many of which the developer either didn't test or didn't even know exist.

There should always be support for builds from source.

Show threadLeviFeb 12, 2023

@Anachron These objections are subjective. You're absolutely entitled to your own opinion. I personally despise installing any of these types of packages (they always seem bloated & brittle to me).

I was just trying to explain why your statement that "they don't solve anything" may not be accurate - they cut through a whole lot of problems for devs, and allow more time for features.