In the evolution of the Linux ecosystem, the compatibility and distribution efficiency of software package management have long been critical challenges. After years of deep technical investment, deepin introduces Linyaps—an independent package management toolkit incubated by the OpenAtom Foundation. Centered on "cross-distro compatibility, sandbox-based security, and minimal dependencies", it leverages cutting-edge technology and ecosystem integration to resolve long-standing Linux software challenges—like dependency conflicts and fragmented distribution—revolutionizing the experience of software development, management, and deployment."

This article delves into the historical challenges of traditional package management and explores Linyaps' core technical architecture, ecosystem achievements, and usage guide.

 

Solving the Historical Challenges of Traditional Package Management

For years, Linux package management faced significant challenges in compatibility, security, and dependency management. These manifest primarily as three core dilemmas:

  • Rigid Cross-Distro Barriers: Fragmentation between Debian-based (deb) and Red Hat-based (rpm) formats, which forces developers to package repeatedly for different distributions.
  • Persistent Dependency Hell: Global sharing of system-level libraries (e.g., conflicts between Qt 5.12 and Qt 5.15) easily triggers cascading compatibility issues
  • Lack of Secure Isolation: Traditional packages allow direct access to system resources; malware can gain privileges by tampering with directories like /usr/lib.

With these entrenched issues, technological innovation become necessary. Driven by a deep understanding of these issues, the deepin team initiated the Linyaps project in 2017. Early exploration used Flatpak for application isolation, with a core breakthrough in 2020 via sandbox/container technology.

After continuous iteration,Linyaps officially debuted in 2022. In 2023, it was donated to the OpenAtom Foundation, becoming vital infrastructure for the open-source ecosystem in China. Its philosophy—"one architecture, one build"—aims to shatter the ecosystem barriers of traditional package management.

 

Redefining Application Distribution Rules

Core Technical Architecture: Building a Secure, Independent Runtime Sandbox

Linyaps' core innovation lies in its reasonable use of User Namespace and CGroup to create an application runtime sandbox, decoupling apps from the OS core. This architecture operates through the key mechanisms:

  • Self-Contained Packaging: Apps and their dependencies (e.g., Qt, OpenSSL) are bundled into a Linyaps package, eliminating reliance on system libraries.
  • Layered Filesystem: Read-only layers store app binaries & libraries; writable layers hold user configs, ensuring system stability.

 

Four Core Values: Reshaping Developer & User Experience

This architecture delivers four transformative benefits across the software ecosystem:

1 Cross-Distro Compatibility: Build Once, Run Anywhere

Linyaps uses an abstracted, unified runtime (e.g., org.deepin.Runtime/23.0.1), enabling Linyaps packages to run directly on deepin, UOS, Ubuntu, Debian, openEuler, OpenKylin, and other major Linux distros—dramatically boosting distribution efficiency.

2 Eradicating Dependency Hell: Sandboxed "Independent Kingdoms"

Each Linyaps app runs in an isolated environment, fully separated from the system and other apps. Real-world tests prove that such technology resolves dependency conflicts (e.g., App A needing Qt 5.12 and App B needing Qt 5.15 running flawlessly on the same machine).

3 Simplified Security: From Passive Defense to Active Isolation

The sandbox strictly limits app permissions. Apps can only access resources within their sandbox, blocked from critical system directories like /etc or /usr.

4 Developer-Friendly: Complete Toolchain for Efficiency

Linyaps offers a complete toolchain to lower adoption barriers:

  • For building: Convert common formats like AppImage and deb into Linyaps packages with one simple click, featuring both the ll-builder CLI tool and a GUI-based builder.
  • For debugging: Developers can compile source code directly within containers.

 

From Technical Breakthrough to Widespread Adoption

Linyaps' technical value is translating into real-world impact across OSes, applications, and hardware.

Extensive OS Compatibility

Linyaps demonstrates robust cross-platform support:

  • Chinese Distros: deepin 25/23 integrate Linyaps by default. UOS 1070, openEuler 23.09, AnolisOS 8, and openKylin 2.0 are also adapted, offering manual repo support.
  • International Distros: Ubuntu 24.04, Debian 12, and Fedora 41/42 are fully supported with standalone repos for manual addition.

Thriving Application Ecosystem

Application ecosystem growth is a core focus, with significant progress:

  • Official App Coverage: The Linglong ecosystem has now onboarded 5,000+ software titles, including mainstream applications like WeChat, QQ, GIMP, and Cursor, delivering comprehensive support for office productivity, development workflows, and entertainment scenarios.
  • Complex Project Validation: Successfully compiled complex OSS like OpenTenBase and PostgreSQL, proving full in-container build capability.

Universal Hardware Support

Linyaps ensures broad hardware compatibility:

  • CPU Architectures: Supports AMD64, ARM64, and LoongArch without recompilation.
  • GPU Support: Compatible with mainstream GPUs, including NVIDIA and Glenfly.

 

Get Started Now

Whether you're a user or developer, experience Linyaps' cross-distro convenience easily.

For Users: Getting Linyaps Apps

  • deepin Users (Out-of-Box): On deepin 25/23, open the App Store, search for "Linyaps" or your app name, and install like any standard app
  • Other Distro Users: Visit the Linyaps Official Website(https://linyaps.org.cn/), find your distro's install package & repo setup guide. After setup, install apps from the Linyaps Store(https://store.linyaps.org.cn).

 

For Developers: Quick Start Guide

Visit the Linyaps Documentation Hub(https://linyaps.org.cn/guide/start/whatis.html) for comprehensive guides on:

  • ll-builder & packaging tools
  • Package format conversion
  • Sandbox debugging & distribution
  • Tutorials and best practices.

Linyaps reshapes the foundation of the Linux app ecosystem as a universal "connector." We invite more developers and users to join this future! Share feedback on the deepin Community Forum.

Leave a Reply