01-09-2020, 07:09 PM
Yesterday, I had to install Skype on one of my Ubuntu machines. I haven’t used it in years but it was install it or miss the interview scheduled for 6 pm. So… I went off to the Skype web page to figure out how you use it on Ubuntu these days and I was surprised to see that they posted the command to install a snap package. It ssmeed like the fastest and least invasive way to get Skype up and running in a hurry. Well, the installation was perfect and the software opened right up looking the way it should. My old account was still active so I just logged in and waited for my call. Every thing went well and I decided to leave the snap installed just in case I needed it again.
Isn’t this how installing software is supposed to be? No worrying about dependencies or wondering where all the documentation and executables are going in the file system… Just a quick download and you’re ready to go. Canonical ruffled a few feathers when they announced that they we’re going to start distributing the Chromium browser as a snap. Guess what? It works just fine and I’m OK with it ‘cause it makes good sense for web-facing software to have an expedited update path.
What really tipped me in favor of snaps was when they released Kenlive in a snap. That’s a big deal, folks. That editor is something that you really want the very latest version of and having it come in a snap solves a lot of desktop integration issues.
No, I don’t think snaps should replace everything but for third party software they offer a really clean way to get it going quickly. Where the line between good ol’ APT and Snap is will just have to be figured out over time but I’m really happy that snaps are catching on because it opens new doors to developers.
Isn’t this how installing software is supposed to be? No worrying about dependencies or wondering where all the documentation and executables are going in the file system… Just a quick download and you’re ready to go. Canonical ruffled a few feathers when they announced that they we’re going to start distributing the Chromium browser as a snap. Guess what? It works just fine and I’m OK with it ‘cause it makes good sense for web-facing software to have an expedited update path.
What really tipped me in favor of snaps was when they released Kenlive in a snap. That’s a big deal, folks. That editor is something that you really want the very latest version of and having it come in a snap solves a lot of desktop integration issues.
No, I don’t think snaps should replace everything but for third party software they offer a really clean way to get it going quickly. Where the line between good ol’ APT and Snap is will just have to be figured out over time but I’m really happy that snaps are catching on because it opens new doors to developers.
-- Your Fearless Leader!