For a very long time, Linux distros have used package-based systems in order to distribute their core packages or applications, like Debian's apt-get. While we can all recognize the strengths of this model, there are a number of things that can surely be improved.
At Endless Computers, we make use of ostree and Flatpak for distributing Endless OS and its apps. ostree provides a way for distributing filesystem trees, allowing read-only OS trees and atomic upgrades. Flatpak leverages ostree for distributing apps, while also running them in a sandbox, thus making it not only a very efficient and robust way to install applications, but also a secure way of running them.
In this talk I will present the aforementioned technologies, as well as why and how this benefits companies that develop operating systems like Endless.
About the speaker
Joaquim Rocha is Senior Software Engineer at Endless, a start-up providing access to technology to the next billion users in regions with limited internet connectivity. With over 10 years of experience, Joaquim has worked in projects of different sizes and technologies, mostly involving the GNU/Linux operating system and other important Open Source projects such as GNOME.
Apart from coding, he has also participated as speaker at a number of important conferences related to Free Software, like FOSDEM or GUADEC.