How To Install Flatpak on Rocky Linux 10

In this tutorial, we will show you how to install Flatpak on Rocky Linux 10.  Rocky Linux 10 represents the latest evolution in enterprise-grade Linux distributions, continuing the legacy of stability and reliability that system administrators have come to expect. As the open-source successor to CentOS, Rocky Linux 10 maintains compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux while providing a robust foundation for both server and desktop deployments. One of the most significant advantages of modern Linux distributions is their flexibility in software deployment, and Flatpak stands out as a revolutionary approach to application distribution and management.

Flatpak transforms how we think about software installation by providing a universal application distribution framework that transcends traditional package management limitations. Unlike conventional package managers that rely on system-specific dependencies, Flatpak creates self-contained application bundles that include everything needed to run successfully. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of installing and configuring Flatpak on Rocky Linux 10, from basic installation to advanced enterprise deployment strategies.

Whether you’re a system administrator managing multiple workstations, a developer seeking consistent application environments, or a Linux enthusiast exploring modern software distribution methods, this guide provides the detailed knowledge you need. We’ll cover installation methods, troubleshooting common issues, security considerations, and best practices that ensure optimal performance and maintainability in your Rocky Linux 10 environment.

Understanding Flatpak: The Universal Package Manager

What is Flatpak?

Flatpak represents a paradigm shift in Linux application distribution, providing a framework that allows applications to run consistently across different Linux distributions. Unlike traditional package managers such as DNF or RPM that require specific versions of system libraries, Flatpak creates sandboxed environments where applications include their own dependencies. This containerized approach eliminates the notorious “dependency hell” that has plagued Linux software installation for decades.

The sandboxing mechanism provides inherent security benefits by isolating applications from the host system and other applications. Each Flatpak application runs within its own namespace, with controlled access to system resources, files, and network connections. This isolation prevents applications from interfering with system stability while maintaining security boundaries that protect sensitive data.

Why Use Flatpak on Rocky Linux 10?

Rocky Linux 10 ships with Flatpak pre-installed when using software selections that include GNOME desktop environments, such as “Server with GUI” or “Workstation” installations. This default inclusion demonstrates the growing importance of universal package management in enterprise Linux environments. Flatpak provides access to the latest application versions regardless of the underlying system’s package versions, ensuring users can run current software on stable, long-term support distributions.

The security advantages of Flatpak’s sandboxing model align perfectly with enterprise security requirements. Applications cannot access files, network resources, or system components without explicit permission, providing granular control over application behavior. This approach reduces the attack surface and minimizes the impact of potential security vulnerabilities within individual applications.

Flatpak vs. Other Package Formats

Flatpak differs significantly from Snap packages and AppImage formats in architecture and implementation. While Snap packages use a similar containerization approach, Flatpak focuses primarily on desktop applications and provides deeper integration with Linux desktop environments. Snap packages can install server applications and system services, whereas Flatpak excels in user-facing applications that benefit from sandboxing and version independence.

AppImage provides portable applications that run without installation, but lacks the security sandbox and automatic update mechanisms that Flatpak provides. Flatpak’s repository-based distribution model enables automatic updates and centralized management, making it more suitable for enterprise deployments where consistent software management is crucial.

Prerequisites and System Requirements

System Requirements

Rocky Linux 10 requires minimal system resources to run Flatpak effectively, but certain considerations ensure optimal performance. A minimum of 4GB RAM provides adequate memory for running sandboxed applications alongside the host system, though 8GB or more is recommended for intensive applications. Storage requirements vary significantly based on installed applications, as Flatpak applications include their own runtime environments and dependencies.

Network connectivity is essential for initial repository configuration and application downloads. Flatpak downloads applications and updates from remote repositories, requiring reliable internet access during installation and update processes. Corporate environments may need to configure proxy settings or firewall rules to allow access to Flathub and other Flatpak repositories.

User Permissions

Flatpak supports both system-wide and user-specific installations, each requiring different permission levels. System-wide installations require root or sudo access and make applications available to all users on the system. User-specific installations allow individual users to install applications without administrative privileges, storing applications in their home directories.

For enterprise deployments, system-wide installation provides better resource utilization and centralized management. User-specific installations offer flexibility for development environments where users need to install specific versions of applications without affecting system configuration.

Desktop Environment Considerations

GNOME desktop environments provide the most seamless Flatpak integration through GNOME Software, offering graphical application installation and management. KDE Plasma and other desktop environments support Flatpak but may require additional configuration or third-party software centers for optimal user experience.

Command-line installations work regardless of desktop environment, making Flatpak suitable for server environments with GUI components or headless systems that need specific graphical applications for remote access scenarios.

Checking Existing Flatpak Installation

Default Installation Status on Rocky Linux 10

Rocky Linux 10 includes Flatpak by default when installed with software selections that include GNOME desktop environments. This includes the “Server with GUI” and “Workstation” installation options, which automatically configure Flatpak for immediate use. Server installations without GUI components typically do not include Flatpak by default, requiring manual installation.

To verify existing Flatpak installation, open a terminal and execute the version check command. This command reveals both the installation status and current version information necessary for compatibility verification with specific applications or repositories.

Verification Commands

The primary command for checking Flatpak installation status is straightforward:

flatpak --version

This command returns version information if Flatpak is installed, or an error message if the package is not present on the system. Additional verification commands help assess the complete Flatpak configuration status.

To check configured repositories and installed applications:

flatpak remotes
flatpak list

These commands reveal configured remote repositories and currently installed Flatpak applications, providing a complete picture of the existing Flatpak environment.

Installing Flatpak on Rocky Linux 10

Method 1: Using DNF Package Manager

The most straightforward method for installing Flatpak on Rocky Linux 10 uses the DNF package manager with packages from the official repositories. This approach ensures compatibility and provides automatic updates through the standard system update process.

Begin by updating the system package database to ensure access to the latest package versions:

sudo dnf update

Install Flatpak using the DNF package manager:

sudo dnf install flatpak

The installation process downloads and configures Flatpak along with necessary dependencies. DNF automatically resolves dependencies and prompts for confirmation before proceeding with the installation.

Verify successful installation by checking the version:

flatpak --version

A successful installation displays version information, confirming that Flatpak is properly installed and accessible from the command line.

Method 2: Installing from Source

Source installation provides access to the latest Flatpak features and allows customization for specific requirements. This method requires development tools and additional time but offers maximum flexibility for specialized deployments.

Install development dependencies required for compilation:

sudo dnf groupinstall "Development Tools"
sudo dnf install autoconf automake libtool pkg-config

Download the latest Flatpak source code from the official repository, configure the build environment, and compile the software. Source installation requires additional maintenance for security updates and version management, making it less suitable for production environments unless specific features necessitate this approach.

Method 3: Installation with Desktop Environment

Rocky Linux 10 installation media provides options to include Flatpak during system installation. Selecting “Workstation” or “Server with GUI” automatically installs and configures Flatpak as part of the desktop environment setup.

This method ensures optimal integration between Flatpak and the desktop environment, including GNOME Software integration for graphical application management. Post-installation verification confirms that Flatpak is properly configured and ready for use.

Troubleshooting Installation Issues

Common installation problems include repository connectivity issues, insufficient disk space, or conflicting package versions. Network connectivity problems may prevent DNF from accessing remote repositories, requiring proxy configuration or firewall adjustments.

DNS resolution issues can cause repository access failures. Configure alternative DNS servers such as Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google (8.8.8.8) to resolve connectivity problems:

sudo systemctl edit systemd-resolved

Add DNS configuration to override system defaults and restart the resolver service to apply changes.

Configuring Flathub Repository

Understanding Flathub

Flathub serves as the primary repository for Flatpak applications, hosting thousands of verified applications from developers worldwide. This centralized repository simplifies application discovery and installation while providing security verification and digital signatures for distributed applications.

Flathub maintains strict quality standards for hosted applications, requiring developers to follow security guidelines and provide accurate metadata. This curation process ensures that applications meet minimum standards for functionality and security, reducing the risk of installing malicious or poorly maintained software.

Adding Flathub Repository

Configure access to Flathub repository using the official repository configuration file:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

This command adds the Flathub repository to the system-wide Flatpak configuration, making applications available to all users. The --if-not-exists flag prevents duplicate repository entries if Flathub is already configured.

For user-specific repository configuration, add the --user flag:

flatpak remote-add --user --if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Verify repository configuration by listing configured remotes:

flatpak remotes

Successful configuration displays Flathub among the configured repositories, confirming access to the application catalog.

Alternative Repositories

Beyond Flathub, organizations may establish internal Flatpak repositories for proprietary applications or customized software distributions. Enterprise environments benefit from internal repositories that provide controlled access to approved applications while maintaining security policies.

Custom repository setup requires hosting infrastructure and GPG key management for application signing. Internal repositories enable organizations to distribute proprietary software using Flatpak’s distribution model while maintaining control over application versions and security updates.

Essential Flatpak Commands and Usage

Basic Command Structure

Flatpak commands follow a consistent structure that simplifies learning and usage. The primary command format uses flatpak [options] command [arguments] where options modify behavior and commands specify the desired action.

Help information provides comprehensive command reference:

flatpak --help

This command displays available commands, options, and usage examples for common tasks. Individual commands provide detailed help using the --help flag for specific usage information.

Searching for Applications

Application discovery uses the search command with application names or keywords:

flatpak search [application-name]

Note that Rocky Linux 8.x versions experience parsing errors with the search command due to XML formatting issues. Users encountering search problems should browse Flathub directly at https://flathub.org for application discovery.

Web-based search through Flathub provides comprehensive filtering and sorting options, application screenshots, and detailed descriptions that command-line search cannot provide. The web interface also displays application permissions and system requirements before installation.

Installing Applications

Application installation uses the application identifier from search results or Flathub:

flatpak install flathub [application-id]

For example, installing OBS Studio requires the following command:

flatpak install flathub com.obsproject.Studio

The installation process displays required permissions and dependencies before proceeding. Users must approve permission requests and dependency installations to complete the process.

Managing Installed Applications

List installed applications and runtimes:

flatpak list

This command displays application names, identifiers, versions, and installation locations for all installed Flatpak software.

Update specific applications:

flatpak update [application-id]

Update all installed applications:

flatpak update

Remove applications when no longer needed:

flatpak uninstall [application-id]

Advanced Commands

Runtime management commands control the underlying frameworks that applications depend on. Runtimes provide shared libraries and services that multiple applications use, reducing storage requirements and maintaining consistency.

Permission management allows modification of application access rights after installation:

flatpak override [application-id] --[permission]

Repository management commands enable adding, removing, and modifying configured repositories for different application sources.

Practical Examples and Use Cases

Installing Popular Applications

Development tools installation demonstrates practical Flatpak usage for common applications. Visual Studio Code provides a comprehensive development environment:

flatpak install flathub com.visualstudio.code

Media applications like VLC Media Player showcase Flatpak’s ability to provide current multimedia software with proper codec support:

flatpak install flathub org.videolan.VLC

Office applications such as LibreOffice demonstrate enterprise software distribution through Flatpak:

flatpak install flathub org.libreoffice.LibreOffice

Each installation includes necessary dependencies and runtimes, ensuring applications run correctly without additional system configuration.

Managing Application Permissions

Flatpak applications request specific permissions during installation, displayed before confirmation. Understanding these permissions helps make informed security decisions about application access rights.

Common permissions include file system access, network connectivity, audio/video device access, and desktop integration features. Applications request only necessary permissions, but users can modify these after installation using override commands or graphical tools like Flatseal.

Flatseal provides a user-friendly interface for managing Flatpak permissions:

flatpak install flathub com.github.tchx84.Flatseal

This application displays all installed Flatpak applications and their current permissions, allowing easy modification without command-line complexity.

Running and Managing Applications

Flatpak applications integrate with desktop environments through standard application menus and launchers. Command-line execution uses the run command:

flatpak run [application-id]

Applications appear in desktop application menus automatically, providing seamless integration with the user interface. Desktop integration includes file associations, protocol handlers, and system notifications as configured by each application.

Multiple application versions can coexist using different branches or repositories, allowing testing of beta versions alongside stable releases without conflicts.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Installation Problems

Network connectivity issues represent the most common Flatpak installation problems. Repository connection failures may result from DNS problems, firewall restrictions, or proxy configuration issues.

Verify network connectivity to Flathub:

curl --head https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Successful connection returns HTTP headers confirming repository accessibility. Connection failures indicate network configuration problems requiring resolution before Flatpak installation can proceed.

DNS configuration problems can be resolved by updating /etc/systemd/resolved.conf with alternative DNS servers:

sudo systemctl edit systemd-resolved

Configure Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) or Google DNS (8.8.8.8) to bypass local DNS resolution issues.

Runtime Issues

Application launch failures often relate to missing runtimes or incompatible versions. Flatpak automatically installs required runtimes during application installation, but manual runtime management may be necessary for troubleshooting.

List available runtimes:

flatpak list --runtime

Install missing runtimes manually:

flatpak install flathub [runtime-id]

Graphics driver compatibility affects applications requiring hardware acceleration. Ensure proper graphics drivers are installed and configured for the system hardware before running graphics-intensive Flatpak applications.

Audio system integration may require PulseAudio or PipeWire configuration for proper sound output. Verify audio system status and configuration before troubleshooting Flatpak application audio problems.

Performance Optimization

Flatpak applications may experience slower startup times compared to native applications due to sandboxing overhead. This performance impact is typically minimal for most applications but may be noticeable for frequently launched utilities.

Storage optimization involves removing unused runtimes and clearing application caches:

flatpak uninstall --unused

This command removes runtimes that are no longer required by installed applications, freeing disk space and reducing maintenance overhead.

Security and Best Practices

Security Considerations

Flatpak’s sandboxing model provides significant security advantages over traditional package installation methods. Applications run with limited system access, controlled file system permissions, and isolated network access. This isolation prevents applications from accessing sensitive system files or interfering with other applications.

However, sandboxing is not absolute security. Applications can request broad permissions that effectively bypass sandbox restrictions. Review application permissions carefully before installation and regularly audit permission grants using tools like Flatseal.

Digital signature verification ensures application authenticity and integrity. Flathub applications include GPG signatures that Flatpak automatically verifies during installation, preventing installation of modified or malicious applications.

Best Practices

Regular system updates ensure that Flatpak itself and installed applications receive security patches and feature updates:

sudo dnf update
flatpak update

Monitor installed applications regularly and remove unused software to reduce the attack surface and maintenance overhead. Applications that are no longer needed should be uninstalled rather than left inactive on the system.

Permission auditing using Flatseal or command-line tools helps identify applications with excessive permissions. Remove unnecessary permissions and grant new access only when required for specific functionality.

Enterprise deployment considerations include centralized repository management, standardized permission policies, and integration with existing software deployment workflows. Many organizations establish internal Flatpak repositories for proprietary applications while using Flathub for open-source software.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Flatpak. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Flatpak on your Rocky Linux 10 system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Flatpak website.