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submitted 8 months ago by cm0002@europe.pub to c/linux@programming.dev

AppImages are portable Linux applications packaged in a single file that you can download and run without installation. Unlike DEB or RPM packages, they don't require root access or system-level changes. You just make the file executable and double-click to run.

But here's the catch. AppImages don't actually install on your system in the traditional sense. They exist as standalone executables that you have to manage manually. There's no automatic desktop integration, no system menu entries, and no built-in update mechanism.

This way, you are stuck manually making files executable, going through folders to launch apps, and checking for updates yourself.

That is where AppManager comes in. This is a tool that handles all that tedious legwork for you.

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[-] markz@suppo.fi 9 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

It emulates legacy workflow from mac os where you open an archive that contains both the app and a shortcut to applications folder. So everything is result of being designed around that one drag and drop. I assume this installer also registers the file extension so it's doubleclick -> drag -> confirm.

[-] illusionist@lemmy.zip 8 points 8 months ago

Who doesn't love tradition

[-] NachBarcelona@piefed.social 5 points 8 months ago

It was always a stupid and dumb idea by Apple, as everything by Apple.

[-] markz@suppo.fi 2 points 8 months ago

I'm not sure if that even was their idea, or if developers just started doing that organically.

[-] nesc@lemmy.cafe 2 points 8 months ago

This doesn't make any sense? Appimages aren't distributed like this, there is no point in making it three step operation, you won't accidentally open this application and drag an appimage there.

[-] Scoopta@programming.dev 1 points 8 months ago

Register what file extension .appimage? Would that even work? Most software on Linux only uses file extensions as a hint at best and nothing at worst because magic numbers are usually preferred. Is there any file explorer that lets you register a file handler for ELFs regardless of file extension?

[-] Die4Ever@retrolemmy.com 2 points 8 months ago

sure it works, I do it with Gear Lever

this post was submitted on 10 Feb 2026
17 points (71.8% liked)

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