The recent release of AM version 9.9 marks a significant advancement in the management of AppImage packages, a popular format for distributing portable applications. This update introduces two innovative features: configuration cloning and the relocation of AppMan applications. These enhancements are designed to improve user experience and flexibility when managing AppImage packages on different systems.
The configuration cloning feature allows users to effortlessly replicate their settings and installed packages from one system to another. Users can create a configuration file, "am-clone.source," which contains the necessary installation details, or utilize the "--clone" option to prepare a pre-cloned configuration. The system employs a priority search to locate this file across various directories, including the desktop and home directories, while also permitting users to designate a custom path for the clone file. This feature supports both AM and third-party databases, allowing for seamless package management.
The second key feature, relocation, enables users to install AppMan applications in a location of their choice without needing root access. Traditionally, AppMan installs applications in the /opt directory in accordance with LSB specifications. However, the relocation feature allows users to customize installation paths, offering greater control over their application management. Users can activate this feature through commands like "am relocate," which also manages previously installed applications by allowing users to reinstall them in new locations.
In addition to these new features, version 9.9 includes various updates aimed at enhancing performance. Notably, the removal of references to "zsync," making the file command an optional dependency, speeding up the updating of third-party database lists, and replacing the "gnome-calculator" package with one from Pkgforge's repository. Additionally, fixes have been made to the gpu-screen-recorder script, and the "-f" option has been optimized to decrease startup times.
Overall, AM 9.9 represents a step forward for AppImage users, promising a more intuitive and efficient experience in managing portable applications. For further details and to download the latest version, users can visit the project's GitHub page.
Future Directions and Enhancements
Looking ahead, the development team may consider introducing additional features in future updates. Possible enhancements could include the integration of a graphical user interface (GUI) for users who prefer a visual management system, improved compatibility with more third-party applications, and enhanced support for collaborative sharing of configurations among users. As the AppImage ecosystem continues to grow, ongoing improvements to AM will likely play a crucial role in maintaining its relevance and user satisfaction
The configuration cloning feature allows users to effortlessly replicate their settings and installed packages from one system to another. Users can create a configuration file, "am-clone.source," which contains the necessary installation details, or utilize the "--clone" option to prepare a pre-cloned configuration. The system employs a priority search to locate this file across various directories, including the desktop and home directories, while also permitting users to designate a custom path for the clone file. This feature supports both AM and third-party databases, allowing for seamless package management.
The second key feature, relocation, enables users to install AppMan applications in a location of their choice without needing root access. Traditionally, AppMan installs applications in the /opt directory in accordance with LSB specifications. However, the relocation feature allows users to customize installation paths, offering greater control over their application management. Users can activate this feature through commands like "am relocate," which also manages previously installed applications by allowing users to reinstall them in new locations.
In addition to these new features, version 9.9 includes various updates aimed at enhancing performance. Notably, the removal of references to "zsync," making the file command an optional dependency, speeding up the updating of third-party database lists, and replacing the "gnome-calculator" package with one from Pkgforge's repository. Additionally, fixes have been made to the gpu-screen-recorder script, and the "-f" option has been optimized to decrease startup times.
Overall, AM 9.9 represents a step forward for AppImage users, promising a more intuitive and efficient experience in managing portable applications. For further details and to download the latest version, users can visit the project's GitHub page.
Future Directions and Enhancements
Looking ahead, the development team may consider introducing additional features in future updates. Possible enhancements could include the integration of a graphical user interface (GUI) for users who prefer a visual management system, improved compatibility with more third-party applications, and enhanced support for collaborative sharing of configurations among users. As the AppImage ecosystem continues to grow, ongoing improvements to AM will likely play a crucial role in maintaining its relevance and user satisfaction
AM 9.9 released
AM, a set of scripts and modules for installing, updating, and managing AppImage packages, has released version 9.9. This new release introduces two groundbreaking features: configuration cloning, which allows users to replicate their configurations from one system to another, and relocation of AppMan apps, enabling users to choose a different installation location without requiring root privileges or system installations. Additionally, several other updates have been made to improve the user experience, including faster updating of third-party database lists, removal of "zsync" mentions, and fixes for various scripts.
