Snapcraft (and the resulting Snaps) is a universal Linux packaging system and app store designed to simplify software distribution, installation, and maintenance across various Linux distributions.

The main features of this tool include:

• Universal Compatibility: Snaps are designed to run the same across all Linux distributions. They bundle the exact versions of an application's dependencies—such as libraries or runtimes like the JRE—ensuring consistent behavior regardless of the host system.

• Easy Discovery and Installation: Apps are hosted in the Snap Store, where millions of users can browse and install them either through a graphical interface or the command line.

• Automatic, Non-Disruptive Updates: The system checks for new versions four times a day and upgrades apps in the background. Because these upgrades are not "in-place," users can keep the application open while it is being updated.

• Safe Rollbacks: To ensure stability, Snaps automatically roll back to the previous version if an update fails, preserving user data and preventing system breakage.

• Application Isolation: Snaps use modular containment to ensure that applications are isolated from one another, preventing software conflicts and enhancing security.

• Developer-Friendly Workflow: The tool uses a YAML-based configuration (snapcraft.yaml), making it easy to package applications written in many languages, including Python, C/C++, Go, Java, and Rust.

• Growth Metrics and Analytics: Developers can track their success through active install metrics, geographic breakdowns, and version distribution data provided by the Snap Store.

• Simple Service Management: It allows for the extremely simple creation of daemons and background services, which is particularly useful for IoT and server applications.