I prefer distro packages that are tied into the rest of the distribution and maintained in that context. That gives me a more smooth experience and some security because I know who prepares the updates and has a second pair of eyes on things. I like the sandboxing though. I think that should be implemented as standard for Linux desktop applications.
It's very hard for a project to maintain packages for all native packaging formats, though, especially for smaller projects. A universal packaging format is sorely needed and flatpak is the best we have right now.
It makes it easier to package and install stuff once and for everyone. And harder to keep your system patched because some software might include older versions of libraries. And you can't just install the patched version from your system repo, because that doesn't apply per design. We also have some minor woes like theming, filesize, integration into the desktop... I think it isn't the best we have right now. I think that is system packages. But that depends on the specific use-case. Yeah. But we need both. At least as of now. Maybe we'll one day get a more unified package format. Or sandboxing for almost everything like on Apple computers. There are some limitations. We can't have everything at the same time. But there is lots of room for improvement. Linux is awesome, though.
I agree that an officially supported system package is the best option, when it's available. But I'll happily install a flatpak if that isn't the case. And yes, it would be great if we could get a universal standard.
i think when your compiling a browser from source its quite easy making rpm,deb,etc or corporations just choose deb then arch users create scripts to convert it to tar.zst then install it
One of the arguments for Snaps used to be that they are available on the sever as well. So one format supports server and desktop apps. Is that true for Flat packs? I honestly don't know.
yk what i agree with this i dont rlly like flatpacks bcs they are missing some minor features specifically kde plasma intergration and flatpack browser also you have to change permissons to allow stuff