flathub

Flathub is the central app store for Flatpak applications and the primary distribution platform used across Linux distributions. It hosts a centralized repository of Flatpak packages, enabling developers to publish software and users to install applications in a distribution-agnostic way. Flathub provides app metadata, screenshots, licenses, release notes, and categorization to help users discover software.

Publishers build their applications as Flatpak packages and submit a manifest to Flathub. The Flathub repository stores these manifests and the associated bundle images, which are delivered to users by Flatpak clients. End users add the Flathub remote to their Flatpak installation and install apps with commands such as flatpak install flathub org.example.App, or through graphical software centers that integrate Flatpak.

Security and isolation are core features: Flatpak apps run in sandboxes with permissions granted through portals and runtime libraries. Flathub distributes apps using signed metadata and sandbox policies, with updates delivered automatically when new versions are released. The platform also maintains guidelines for publishing to ensure licensing, quality, and safety expectations are met.

Governance and ecosystem: Flathub is a community-driven project within the Flatpak ecosystem, maintained by volunteers and supported by organizations across the Linux landscape. It provides a standard workflow for app publication and offers developer documentation. Flathub integrates with major Linux software centers such as GNOME Software and KDE Discover, as well as CLI-based installation methods.

Flathub serves as a key component of the Flatpak model, promoting cross-distro software availability and streamlined application delivery on Linux.