OpenSUSE MicroOS Desktop: a Flatpak-based immutable distribution
Immutable Linux distributions are on the rise recently, with multiple popular distributions creating their own immutable versions; it could be one of the trends of 2023, as predicted. While many of these immutable distributions are focused on server use, there are also some that offer a desktop experience. OpenSUSE MicroOS Desktop is one of them, with a minimal openSUSE Tumbleweed as the base operating system and applications running as Flatpaks or in containers. In its daily use, it feels a lot like a normal openSUSE desktop. Its biggest benefit is availability of the newest software releases without sacrificing system stability.
Linux users who want to keep up with the latest software generally choose a rolling-release distribution, such as Tumbleweed, Arch Linux, or Gentoo Linux. However, this approach might introduce the risk of incompatibility between software versions or result in an unstable system. On the other hand, stable or Long-Term Support (LTS) distributions cater to the needs of users who prioritize stability over cutting-edge software.
Of course, many users want the best of both worlds: the latest software versions on a stable base operating system. There are solutions that generally bypass the distribution's native package-management system. Flatpak, Snap, and AppImage are the leading technologies for this purpose. Applications are packaged together with their dependencies, thus preventing interference with each other or the underlying distribution. With this approach, users are able to run updated software without encountering dependency woes or compromising system stability.