Feature request: Official Flatpak distribution for Linux (Flathub)
- Dominant language
- JavaScript
- Stars
- 6.6k
- Forks
- 903
- Avg merge
- 4d 13h
- Merged PRs (30d)
- 5
Description
### Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.
Linux distribution can be highly fragmented. New or inexperienced Linux users often face significant hurdles when trying to install applications that don't have a binary specifically built for their distribution (e.g., .deb vs .rpm vs AUR). Many users simply give up on installing IPFS Desktop because they cannot install it as easily as they do on Windows or macOS, facing dependency hell or complex terminal commands.
### Describe the solution you'd like
**The Request:** Provide an official Flatpak release, ideally published on [Flathub](https://flathub.org/).
**Why this is critical for adoption:**
1. **Universal Compatibility:** Flatpak works on virtually *all* Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, Linux Mint, Pop!_OS, etc.) out of the box.
2. **Sandbox Security:** [Flatpak](https://flatpak.org/) provides a sandbox environment, running IPFS in isolation from the rest of the system, which improves stability and security.
3. **Ease of Use:** It offers a "one-click install" experience similar to Windows/macOS, lowering the entry barrier for non-technical users who want to join the Web3 ecosystem.
4. **Immutable OS Support:** Essential for modern systems like SteamOS (Steam Deck), Fedora Silverblue, or Endless OS where traditional package installation is restricted.
**Benefit:** Ensuring easy installation across *any* Linux distribution is the future of application distribution on Linux and will significantly widen the IPFS user base.
### Alternatives considered
* AppImage (good, but lacks the repository integration and auto-updates of Flathub).
* Snap (often slower and less preferred by the community).
* Continuing with distro-specific packages (high maintenance burden).
Contributor guide
No contributing guide indexed for this repository
Research direction
The issue names no files, tests, or entry points. Start by reviewing the existing Linux packaging and release process, then determine the requirements for an official Flatpak and Flathub publication. Done means an official Flatpak is available through Flathub and supports the Linux distributions described in the request.
Written by the indexing model from the issue text.
Assessment
- Tech stack
- javascript, linux
- Domain
- desktop, operating-systems
- Issue type
- Feature
- Difficulty
- 5/5
- Estimated time
- Over a week
- Activity status
- Active
- Clarity
- Needs clarification
- Newbie friendliness
- 35/100