A key feature of the app store in major distributions like Ubuntu is that it lets you choose how you want to install software, offering different options depending on the application.
Typically, you can choose between formats such as .deb (which is becoming less common), .apk, snap, and Flatpak. Personally, I tend to prefer the .deb format, though Flatpak is becoming more popular on my desktop.
However, I often find myself uncertain when faced with two installation options for Flatpak: Flatpak and System-wide Flatpak. These options typically appear with little explanation, which can be confusing about which one to select. Fortunately, I asked a systems expert for clarification, and here’s what I learned. I’ll share the details below:
TL;DR: The key difference is where the software is installed and who has access to it.
Read more: The Difference Between Installing Software as Flatpak and System-wide Flatpak on Ubuntu