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linuxmint / timeshift

System restore tool for Linux. Creates filesystem snapshots using rsync+hardlinks, or BTRFS snapshots. Supports scheduled snapshots, multiple backup levels, and exclude filters. Snapshots can be restored while system is running or from Live CD/USB.
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Create a Flatpak Version of Timeshift and Submit to Flathub as a Verified Publisher #211

Open Danathar opened 1 year ago

Danathar commented 1 year ago

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.

As a Debian 12 user, I find that the version of Timeshift in the Debian repositories may become outdated over time. This can lead to inconsistencies and potential issues when trying to use Timeshift across different Linux distributions.

Describe the solution you'd like

I propose creating a Flatpak version of Timeshift and submitting it to Flathub as a verified publisher. This would allow users to easily install the latest version of Timeshift across various Linux distributions and benefit from the sandboxing and security features provided by Flatpak.

Describe alternatives you've considered

An alternative solution would be to rely on distribution-specific packaging, but this may result in outdated versions and inconsistencies across different Linux distributions.

Additional context

Obtaining verified publisher status on Flathub will give users confidence in the authenticity and quality of the Timeshift Flatpak. This proposal aims to ensure that users can consistently access the latest version of Timeshift, regardless of their Linux distribution, and enjoy the benefits of Flatpak's security features.

MikeNavy commented 1 year ago

Hi,

A flatpak version of Timeshift could not work: flatpaks cannot write files on the operating system, and so Timeshitf could backup, but not restore, system files.

Regards,

MN

Danathar commented 1 year ago

Hi,

A flatpak version of Timeshift could not work: flatpaks cannot write files on the operating system, and so Timeshitf could backup, but not restore, system files.

Regards,

Hmm . I suppose you are right. Hadn’t thought that through. What about an appimage? Does that have the same restrictions?

MikeNavy commented 1 year ago

Hi,

AppImages are intended to be launched from the user home, without any superuser privileges.

Though it does not seem impossible, AppImage does not appear to be the good choice for Timeshift.

Snaps have the same limitation as flatpaks.

It seems there are two ways to have Timeshift working:

To have an "universal" version of Timeshift could be possible if Timeshift was compiled with statical links to its libraries and, so, delivered with all what it needs compiled in the executable.

Regards,

MN

Nitrousoxide commented 9 months ago

Hi,

A flatpak version of Timeshift could not work: flatpaks cannot write files on the operating system, and so Timeshitf could backup, but not restore, system files.

Regards,

MN

Flatpaks can access system level resources if given the correct permissions.

https://davejansen.com/give-full-filesystem-access-to-flatpak-installed-applications/

The flatpak manifest can also set this at install rather than having the user change it via flatseal or via terminal.

MikeNavy commented 9 months ago

Hi,

Yes, flatpaks can use some of system resources. But, to allow full (execute) access to some installed applications is not the same as to allow operating system overwriting when restoring it, and this, AFAIK, is not possible with flatpaks. Regards,

MN

Le 16 févr. 2024 à 23:09, Nitrousoxide @.***> a écrit :

 Hi,

A flatpak version of Timeshift could not work: flatpaks cannot write files on the operating system, and so Timeshitf could backup, but not restore, system files.

Regards,

MN

Flatpaks can access system level resources if given the correct permissions.

https://davejansen.com/give-full-filesystem-access-to-flatpak-installed-applications/

The flatpak manifest can also set this install rather than having the user change it via flatseal or via terminal.

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MikeNavy commented 1 month ago

Hi,

Timeshift needs full read/write access to the operating system files: it cannot be sandboxed; and since it doesn't access internet, it doesn't need to be sandboxed.

Flatpak applications, even with the maximum file permissions "filesystem=host" can read system files, not write them, and read/write user files; even system files read is limited: there are a bunch of directories that are reserved paths, without read access: "/app, /bin, /dev, /etc, /lib, /lib32, /lib64, /proc, /run/flatpak, /run/host, /sbin, /usr", see https://docs.flatpak.org/en/latest/sandbox-permissions.html

So, a flatpak version of Timeshift could not be used as a system snapshot backup and restore. It could be used only to back up and restore user files. That is not Timeshift main goal, other flatpak apps such as FreeFileSync can back up and restore user files, even faster than Timeshift.

So, what is asked here is of limited interest (no system backup and restore).

For those reasons, this issue should just be closed.

Regards,

MN

PS: Timeshift is installed on Linux Mint live installation DVDs. A workaround for users wanting to use Timeshift on an operating system where it is not available or not up to date is to make a Live DVD or Live USB key from a Linux Mint installation ISO, and boot on it to use Timeshift.

Le 14 oct. 2024 à 05:46, Jérémy @.***> a écrit :

 Hi guys, Where to find a skilled people to accomplish this task? thanks

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