Why is Ubuntu working on a new Linux Application Installer?
Though there are already many installer systems for Linux applications, Canonical, Ubuntu’s parent company will soon come out with a new installation package for app developers and users. The hope is that this will make Ubuntu a popular smartphone or tablet operating system.
The Canonical team expects this new installer to make it easier for software vendors to get their applications and programs to Linux customers. Currently, there are only two options app developers have available:
• Software can be delivered with the Ubuntu release
• A developer can offer their app via the MyApps for review by Ubuntu users.
Neither option works very well for developers wanting to work with apps.
The Purpose
The current Ubuntu Linux installers require developers to perform manual software reviews before making them available on a Linux system.
But this is too time consuming a processes, often resulting in bottlenecks in the MyApps queue, thus making the app installation into the /opt directory very challenging.
Ideally, this new application installer will make the system safer and more reliable, a place where app developers can easily upload their releases without having to worry about instability. Besides, the new platform will enhance the experience of app developers and users that build and use apps for Ubuntu.
According to Canonical, the parent company for Ubuntu, a new Linux installer application will give users safer options when using independent applications made for Ubuntu. This would give the user greater control over the software that is installed on their system.
App developers will find it easier to get their software into Ubuntu systems. There are several types of installer packages but this would be a simplified package offered to third-party developers. This does not mean existing packages will change, as these work well for those who don’t have application issues. The dpkg and apt will continue being used for Debian.