AppImage (original) (raw)
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Linux executable file format
| AppImage | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Filename extension | .AppImage |
| Magic number | 41 49 02 (3 bytes hexadecimal from offset 8) |
| Developed by | Simon Peter |
| Initial release | 2004; 22 years ago (2004) |
| Latest release | ContinuousDecember 4, 2025; 6 months ago (2025-12-04) |
| Container for | Software installation |
| Open format? | Yes |
| Free format? | Yes |
| Website | appimage.org |
AppImage (formerly known as klik and PortableLinuxApps) is an open-source format for distributing portable software on Linux. It aims to allow the installation of binary software independently of specific Linux distributions. As a result, one AppImage can be installed and run across various GNU/Linux distributions without needing to use different files. It aims to be a format that is self-contained, rootless, and independent of the underlying Linux distribution.[1]
Released first in 2004 under the name klik, it was continuously developed, then renamed in 2011 to PortableLinuxApps and later in 2013 to AppImage. Version 2 was released in 2016.
Reception and usage
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In 2015, Linus Torvalds, creator of the Linux kernel, said that "[t]his is just very cool. I finally got around to play with the 'AppImage' version of Subsurface, and it really does seem to 'just work'."[2] Mark Shuttleworth stated that "AppImages are a pretty clean experience and I admire the work behind them."[3]
- Autopackage – Linux package management system
- List of Linux package management systems
- List of portable application creators
- ROX Desktop – Desktop environment for X Window System
- Snap (software) – Software deployment system for Linux by Canonical
- App (file format) – A HarmonyOS application that makes use of similar principles
- ^ Mobily, Tony (2006-04-07). "Free Software Magazine interview with Simon Peter". Free Software Magazine. Archived from the original on 2007-03-30. Retrieved 2007-05-05.
- ^ Torvalds, Linus (2016-02-05). "This is just very cool. I finally got around to play with the "AppImage"…". Google Plus. Archived from the original on 2016-02-05. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
- ^ Shuttleworth, Mark (2017-04-09). "I would like to thank all of you for your spirit and intellect and energy in ..." Google Plus. Archived from the original on 2017-04-09. Retrieved 2024-01-18.