Whether or not to remove Snap from Ubuntu is a common question for many Linux users. Snap is a software deployment and package management system that was introduced in Ubuntu 16.04. It aims to streamline software installation and updating across Linux distributions. However, Snap has also received criticism from some users who claim it has disadvantages compared to traditional package managers like APT. This article will examine the pros and cons of removing Snap to help you decide if it’s right for your needs.
What is Snap and how is it used in Ubuntu?
Snap was created by Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, as a new way to package, distribute, and update applications on Linux. It allows developers to bundle their apps with all the necessary dependencies into a single “snap” package. This means the app can run on any Linux distribution that supports snapd, the background service that manages snaps.
On Ubuntu, Snap is installed and enabled by default. When you install certain applications from the Ubuntu Software store, like Firefox or VS Code, they are installed as snaps. Snaps auto-update independently of the system’s packages. They also run isolated in their own container, which supposedly increases security and stability.
Some key advantages of snaps include:
- Automatic updates – Snaps update themselves in the background without user intervention.
- Cross-distribution – Snaps work across many Linux distributions without modification.
- Sandboxed – Each snap runs isolated in its own container for added security.
- Single self-contained package – All app dependencies are bundled into the snap.
However, there are also some drawbacks to the Snap approach:
- Larger file sizes – Snaps are often larger than traditionally packaged apps.
- Slower launch times – Snaps can take longer to initially launch.
- Lack of consistency – Snaps don’t perfectly integrate with the native OS look and feel.
- Confusing dual package system – Having both APT and Snaps can be confusing for users.
Reasons to remove Snap
Here are some of the main reasons you may want to remove and disable Snap on your Ubuntu installation:
You prefer traditional packages
Many Linux administrators and power users are simply more comfortable with traditional packaging systems like APT/Deb for Ubuntu. They don’t like having the unfamiliar Snap system forced upon them, when APT has worked reliably for years.
You want more control over updates
With APT, you can pick and choose when to install available updates through commands like apt upgrade. But Snap apps update automatically in the background without asking the user. For those who like to manually control when updates happen, this can be frustrating.
You want faster app launch times
The isolation of snaps means they load slower on initial launch compared to natively packaged apps. For users who launch apps frequently, the slower Snap launch times can feel disruptive.
You have bandwidth or storage constraints
Snap apps are often significantly larger than the same apps installed via APT. This can be an issue on systems with bandwidth caps or small storage. Snap also doesn’t handle offline use cases as well as APT.
You use GNOME and notice poor integration
Some Snap apps don’t perfectly integrate with the look and feel of the GNOME desktop environment. This is because they bundle some of their own interface elements rather than using native GNOME ones.
You want open source software and control
Canonical has a significant amount of control over Snap. Some users prefer entirely community-driven and open solutions like traditional APT repositories. They feel Snap gives too much control to Canonical.
You don’t use Ubuntu Software/GUI app store
If you primarily install apps from the command line using APT, there’s less advantage to Snap. You miss out on the benefits of cross-distribution app stores that Snap provides.
You want to minimize background services
Snap requires constantly running background services like snapd. For those trying to minimize resource usage and background processes, removing Snap can help simplify your system.
Reasons to keep Snap
Despite the criticisms, Snap does have some benefits that are worth considering before removing it entirely:
Easy install of cross-distribution apps
Finding APT packages for apps that work across all distributions can be tricky. Snaps make it easy to install apps like Spotify, Slack, etc. that work on any Linux distro.
More up-to-date app versions
Snap apps are often updated more frequently than APT package repositories. This gives access to newer app versions with the latest features and fixes.
Improved security and isolation
The sandboxed nature of snaps can improve security by isolating apps from the rest of the system. Each snap runs in its own container.
Desktop integration is improving
Canonical is working on tweaks that improve the integration of Snap apps with GNOME and other desktops. The issues are becoming less noticeable in recent versions.
Transition to Snap is inevitable
Canonical has made it clear Snap is the future for Ubuntu. More and more apps will eventually only be available as snaps. Resisting the change may prove futile long-term.
Still supports classic packages alongside Snap
You can continue using APT and .deb packages even with Snap installed. It simply provides an additional option without eliminating traditional Linux packaging.
Development advantages for ISVs
For app developers, Snaps allow simple bundling of apps and dependencies. This makes supporting many Linux distributions easier for Independent Software Vendors (ISVs).
Backwards compatibility
Even if you decide to remove Snap today, if you ever reinstall it in the future, your Snap apps and data will still be available.
How to remove Snap
If you decide the disadvantages of Snap outweigh the benefits for your needs, removing Snap from Ubuntu is a straightforward process:
- Open a terminal window and run:
sudo apt remove snapd - Type your user password when prompted
- Also remove the Snap Store by running:
sudo apt remove snap-store - Reboot your system
This will uninstall the snapd daemon and remove other related packages like the GNOME Snap integration. It will not automatically remove any installed snap apps.
Removing individual Snap apps
To remove remaining snap apps, you can run commands like:
snap remove appnameFor example:
snap remove code # removes Visual Studio Code
snap remove spotifyYou may need to use sudo depending on the individual snap app permissions.
Alternatively, you can reinstall the traditional Debian package version of an application from the Ubuntu repositories after removing the Snap version.
Disabling Snap autostart
If you decide to keep Snap installed but don’t want it automatically starting on bootup, you can disable it from auto-launching:
sudo systemctl disable --now snapd.socketConclusion
Snap introduces some useful features for application distribution and updates on Linux. However, there are certainly legitimate reasons you may want to remove Snap from Ubuntu. Traditional APT packages still work fine for managing applications.
Try using Ubuntu without Snap for a while to see if it improves your particular workflow and use cases. You can always reinstall it later. But with the proper APT repositories enabled, you should still have access to most required apps without Snap.
Overall there is no definitively “right” answer whether to remove Snap or not. It depends on your needs, preferences, and technical level. Each Ubuntu user will need to weigh the pros and cons to decide if removing Snap makes sense for their systems.
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At the end of the day, Linux is all about choice. The option to remove Snap if you don’t agree with Canonical’s vision gives users control over their systems. But Snap brings some advantages that may be worth considering before you decide to nuke it entirely. Evaluate your own needs and priorities carefully when weighing whether to remove snapd from Ubuntu.