These container-formats seem to be getting more popular as a way to distribute desktop applications.

A couple times a year I try to figure out what the deal is, but 😵.

Seems like one touted advantage is "sandboxing! Less risk to user?" but ... applications still need to be able to work with my files and input devices?

And Canonical has seemingly pigeonhole'd snaps as a Ubuntu-only thing, but Ubuntu already has a package manager?

and both snaps and flatpak still require root to install apps?

I do not grok. Explainers (oriented toward desktop use) or "don't worry about it; go with whatever the app's packaging maintainer likes" feedbacks solicited.

#LinuxOnTheDesktop