How to Install Click Packages in Ubuntu?

Installing Click packages in Ubuntu, which are identifiable by their .click file extension, requires specific command-line tools. These packages were historically used for applications on Ubuntu Touch and are distinct from other package formats like .deb or modern Snap packages.

What Are Click Packages?

Click packages (.click files) are a self-contained application format developed by Canonical. They bundle an application along with its necessary dependencies, offering a sandboxed environment similar to the current Snap packages. While Snaps have largely become the standard on contemporary Ubuntu desktop and server systems, understanding how to handle Click packages can still be useful for legacy applications or specific development scenarios.

Recommended Method for Ordinary Users: pkcon install-local

For most users, the most straightforward and recommended approach to install a Click package is by utilizing the pkcon install-local command. This utility is an integral part of PackageKit, a system service designed to provide a unified and consistent software installation experience across various Linux distributions and diverse package formats. pkcon efficiently manages the required options and permissions, ensuring a smoother and more secure installation process.

To install a Click package using pkcon install-local, follow these steps:

1. Open your terminal: You can typically do this by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.

2. Navigate to the directory where your .click package file is saved, or simply provide the full file path in the command.

3. Execute the installation command:

   pkcon install-local /path/to/your/package-file.click

   • Ensure you replace /path/to/your/package-file.click with the actual, correct path to your .click file.
   • You will likely be prompted to enter your user password to authorize the installation, as this process typically requires elevated system privileges.

This method is highly recommended because it's tailored for "ordinary users" and abstracts away complex details, guaranteeing that the appropriate set of options are used for a successful installation.

Alternative (Low-Level) Method: Using the click Command

An alternative is to use the dedicated click command-line utility for installing Click packages. However, this is considered a low-level tool and is generally not advised for everyday users due to its direct nature and the necessity of manually managing various installation options.

The basic syntax for installing a Click package using the click command is:

click install PACKAGE-FILE

• Replace PACKAGE-FILE with the name or full path of your .click package.
• Important Note: The click command-line tool itself might not be pre-installed on current Ubuntu desktop systems. Its primary application was within the context of Ubuntu Touch development. If you need to use this specific utility, you would typically need to install it via a package like click-app or a similar offering, depending on your specific Ubuntu version and configured repositories. For "ordinary users" installing a Click package, pkcon install-local remains the officially recommended and more convenient method, as it handles these setup complexities on your behalf.

Comparison: pkcon install-local vs. click install

To help you decide which method to use, here's a quick comparison:

Feature	pkcon install-local PACKAGE-FILE	click install PACKAGE-FILE
User Suitability	Recommended for ordinary users seeking simplicity	A low-level tool; generally not ideal for ordinary users
Ease of Use	Higher-level interface, handles options and complexities automatically	Requires direct command usage, more manual intervention
Dependencies	Manages dependencies and system integration more robustly	More direct package installation, may require manual dependency consideration
Availability	Part of PackageKit, typically pre-installed on most Ubuntu systems	May require separate installation (e.g., click-app), less common now
Privileges	Automatically prompts for sudo password when necessary	May require sudo to be explicitly used for system-wide installations

Best Practices and Considerations

• Trustworthy Sources: Always ensure that any .click package you download originates from a trusted and verified source. Installing packages from unknown or unverified sources can introduce significant security risks to your system.
• Modern Alternatives: For developing new applications or deploying software on modern Ubuntu, strongly consider using Snap packages. Snaps (Ubuntu Snapcraft) are the current, actively developed universal Linux packaging format supported across all Ubuntu versions and many other Linux distributions. They provide similar sandboxing benefits and are part of a more dynamic and supported ecosystem.
• Troubleshooting: If you encounter any issues during installation, consult the package's official documentation or relevant community forums for specific guidance related to the application you are trying to install.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively and securely install Click packages on your Ubuntu system, prioritizing pkcon install-local for a user-friendly experience.