diff --git a/snapcraft/reference/debapt-snap-comparison.md b/snapcraft/reference/debapt-snap-comparison.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7114533 --- /dev/null +++ b/snapcraft/reference/debapt-snap-comparison.md @@ -0,0 +1,42 @@ +# APT/deb - snap Packaging Comparison + +These tables provide a comparison between the APT/deb and snap package management approaches, highlighting key differences and considerations for developers, maintainers, and end-users. + +| **Feature** | **APT/deb Package Management** | **snap Package Management** | +|---|---|---| +| **Platform Support** | Debian-based systems | Cross-distribution (Ubuntu, Fedora, etc.) | +| **Package Format** | .deb files | .snap files | +| **Dependency Handling** | Requires manual dependency management | Bundles dependencies within the package | +| **Security** | Standard Linux permissions | Sandboxing, AppArmor, Seccomp | +| **Updates** | Manual updates via package managers (APT) | Automatic updates | +| **Rollback** | Requires manual reinstallation of previous versions | Built-in rollback to previous versions via `snap revert` | +| **Installation** | `apt install ` | `snap install ` | +| **Package Management Tools** | **APT** (`apt`, `dpkg`, `aptitude`) | **SNAP** (`snap`, `snapd`) | +| **Isolation** | No isolation by default | Sandboxed environment | +| **Channels** | Not applicable | Stable, candidate, beta, edge | +| **User Data Storage** | Managed by the package itself or user configurations | Separate data storage within confined space | +| **Package Distribution** | Centralized repositories (e.g., Debian archives) | Centralized via Snap Store | +| **Development Considerations** | Follow Debian packaging guidelines, ensure compatibility | Self-contained, fewer dependency issues | +| **End-User Experience** | Familiar to Linux users, requires manual handling | Simplifies installation and updates, user-friendly | + +## **Package Builder/Maintainer Considerations** + +| **Feature** | **APT/deb Package Management** | **snap Package Management** | +|---|---|---| +| **Build Tools** | `dpkg-deb`, `debuild`, `lintian` | `snapcraft` | +| **Metadata** | `control.tar`, control file | `snap.yaml`, confinement settings | +| **Dependencies Management** | Specified in control file, manually resolved | Bundled within the snap | +| **Testing and Validation** | Manual testing, deb helper tools | Snapcraft tools, automated testing | +| **Distribution Process** | Upload to Debian repositories | Upload to Snap Store | +| **Maintenance Effort** | Requires ongoing updates and dependency checks | Built-in dependency handling | + +## **End-User Experience** + +| **Feature** | **APT/deb Package Management** | **snap Package Management** | +|---|---|---| +| **Ease of Installation** | Requires knowledge of APT commands | Requires knowledge of snap commands | +| **Software Updates** | Manual intervention required | Automatic updates | +| **System Resources** | Lower overhead, uses existing system libraries | Higher overhead, bundles all dependencies | +| **Security and Isolation** | Standard Linux security model | Enhanced security with sandboxing | +| **Usability** | Familiar to traditional Linux users | More user-friendly, especially for beginners | +| **Version Management** | Can be complex, involves manual intervention | Rollback and version management integration |