Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

DPKG (Debian Package Manager) VS Flatpak

Compare DPKG (Debian Package Manager) VS Flatpak and see what are their differences

DPKG (Debian Package Manager) logo DPKG (Debian Package Manager)

dpkg is the core of package management in Debian-based Linux distributions. it has multiple front ends like apt or aptitude that extend dpkgs usability and features

Flatpak logo Flatpak

Flatpak is the new framework for desktop applications on Linux
  • DPKG (Debian Package Manager) Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-06-25
  • Flatpak Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-08-06

DPKG (Debian Package Manager) features and specs

  • Efficiency
    DPKG is a low-level package manager that directly manages .deb packages, making it highly efficient for package installation, removal, and configuration.
  • Control
    Provides detailed control over package installation and management, allowing administrators to manually handle package files and their configurations.
  • Dependency Management
    Although DPKG itself does not resolve dependencies, it works seamlessly with other tools like APT to help manage them effectively.
  • Wide Adoption
    Being the standard package manager for Debian, it has widespread use and support in the Debian community, offering many resources and documentation.

Possible disadvantages of DPKG (Debian Package Manager)

  • Complexity
    As a low-level tool, DPKG requires a deeper understanding of the system to manage packages efficiently, which can be complex for new users.
  • Lack of Dependency Resolution
    DPKG does not automatically handle dependencies, which can lead to issues if packages require specific dependencies that aren't manually addressed by the user.
  • Limited Features
    Being a core tool, DPKG has a limited feature set compared to higher-level package managers that can handle more advanced tasks such as source management and package searching.
  • Potential for System Instability
    Incorrect usage of DPKG, such as forcing package installs without resolving dependencies, can potentially lead to system instability or broken packages.

Flatpak features and specs

  • Cross-distribution support
    Flatpak applications can be installed on any Linux distribution, which helps in resolving compatibility issues.
  • Sandboxing
    Flatpak apps run in a sandbox, which isolates them from the system and other applications, thereby enhancing security.
  • Dependency management
    Flatpak handles dependencies internally, allowing different applications to use different versions of the same library without conflicts.
  • Bleeding-edge software
    Flatpak allows users to access the latest versions of applications, even if their Linux distribution's repository is not up-to-date.
  • Backward compatibility
    Flatpak apps can run on older systems because Flatpak includes the required runtime libraries.

Possible disadvantages of Flatpak

  • Disk space usage
    Flatpak applications may use more disk space because runtimes and libraries are bundled separately for each app.
  • Performance overhead
    The sandboxing and isolation can introduce a performance penalty compared to natively installed applications.
  • Limited integration
    Flatpak applications may not fully integrate with the host system, leading to inconsistencies in look and feel.
  • Update lag
    Flatpak uses a central repository for updates, which can sometimes result in delays in getting the latest versions of applications.
  • Learning curve
    New users might find it challenging to understand and use Flatpak, especially if they are accustomed to traditional package managers.

Analysis of Flatpak

Overall verdict

  • Flatpak is generally regarded as a positive option for software distribution on Linux, particularly for those seeking a cross-distribution solution that ensures application stability and security.

Why this product is good

  • Flatpak is considered good due to its ability to provide application sandboxing, which enhances security by isolating applications from the rest of the system. It also ensures consistent behavior across different Linux distributions by packaging all dependencies with the applications. Furthermore, Flatpak enables easy updates and rollback of applications, making it convenient for both developers and users.

Recommended for

  • Users who want access to the latest software versions
  • Developers looking for a unified application distribution method
  • Users of multiple Linux distributions who want consistent application behavior
  • Those who prioritize security and isolation of applications.

DPKG (Debian Package Manager) videos

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Flatpak videos

How to Use Flatpak

More videos:

  • Review - [2018] LINUX - FLATPAK REVIEW and SETUP
  • Review - Matador FlatPak Toiletry Bottle Review | TSA Approved | Small Travel Container & Liquid Soap Holder

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to DPKG (Debian Package Manager) and Flatpak)
Package Manager
31 31%
69% 69
Front End Package Manager
Developer Tools
13 13%
87% 87
Windows Tools
11 11%
89% 89

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Flatpak seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 85 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

DPKG (Debian Package Manager) mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of DPKG (Debian Package Manager) yet. Tracking of DPKG (Debian Package Manager) recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Flatpak mentions (85)

  • How to Flatpack Programs [video]
    It's hard to tell if he is referring to Flatpak: https://flatpak.org/ or if the nomenclature is a coincidence. However, from what I can tell, the presenter is talking about similar things. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 months ago
  • Tools for Linux Distro Hoppers
    Hopping from one distro to another with a different package manager might require some time to adapt. Using a package manager that can be installed on most distro is one way to help you get to work faster. Flatpak is one of them; other alternative are Snap, Nix or Homebrew. Flatpak is a good starter, and if you have a bunch of free time, I suggest trying Nix. - Source: dev.to / about 1 year ago
  • I cannot get flatpak to find anything on a fresh Debian12 install
    The repository that I used is the official one from flathub.org, I literally typed:. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Modern CSV version 2 is now available
    It shouldn't be too complicated to create a package from the provided tarball. [1]: https://flatpak.org/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • Flutter 3 on Devuan 4: Getting started
    Besides, there may be other ways to install them, although there doesn't seem no such Flatpak packages in Flathub. For example, some senerio to use some release channel or Docker / Podman. Additionally, when you use a different Linux distro where systemd is adopted and therefore can do Snaps (Snapd), you have another possibility. - Source: dev.to / almost 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing DPKG (Debian Package Manager) and Flatpak, you can also consider the following products

Conda - Binary package manager with support for environments.

Snapcraft - Snaps are software packages that are simple to create and install.

Docker - Docker is an open platform that enables developers and system administrators to create distributed applications.

FLATHUB - Apps for Linux, right here

pkgsrc - pkgsrc is a framework for building over 17,000 open source software packages.

Homebrew - The missing package manager for macOS