snap
also: snappy, snapd
A snap is a self-contained software package that bundles an application with all its dependencies, designed to work across different Linux distributions. Snaps are installed and managed using the snapd daemon and the snap command-line tool.
Snaps represent a modern approach to Linux software distribution, created by Canonical. Unlike traditional packages that rely on system libraries, each snap includes everything needed to run—libraries, runtime, and the application itself—making it distribution-agnostic.
Snaps run in a confined environment called a sandbox, which provides security benefits by limiting access to system resources. Updates are automatic and atomic, meaning the system either fully installs a new version or keeps the old one; partial updates cannot leave the system in a broken state.
You install and manage snaps with commands like snap install package-name, snap list, and snap remove package-name. For example, snap install vlc installs the VLC media player with all dependencies pre-packaged, regardless of your Linux distribution.