Snap is a packaging and distribution format developed by Canonical, designed to work not only on Ubuntu but also on other Linux distributions.
Ubuntu Snap:
Independent Packaging: Snap packages bundle an application with its dependencies, allowing the application to run independently without conflicting with other packages on the system.
Universal Packages: Snap is considered a universal packaging format that can be used across different Linux distributions. This means that if an application is packaged in the Snap format, users can use the same package across various distributions.
Security and Isolation: Snap packages implement security measures that allow applications to run in isolation from the rest of the system. This isolation ensures that an application has limited access to system resources, providing security advantages.
Self-Updating: Snap packages support automatic updates, allowing applications to be updated seamlessly. This ensures that users can always have the latest versions of applications.
Snap Store: The Snap Store, operated by Canonical, serves as a store where users can discover and install Snap packages. Users can easily find and install various applications through the Snap Store.
Efficient Resource Usage: Snap enables applications to use system resources more efficiently. Each application comes with its independent dependencies, preventing conflicts with other applications that may share the same dependencies on the system.
Snap packages are supported not only on Ubuntu but also on other Linux distributions like Fedora, Arch Linux, Debian, among others. Canonical actively promotes the adoption of Snap technology in the broader Linux ecosystem.