Try to install snapd but giving `conflicting requests` error

3 min read 05-10-2024

Try to install snapd but giving `conflicting requests` error

Snapd Installation Error: "Conflicting Requests" – What It Means and How to Fix It

Have you encountered the dreaded "conflicting requests" error while trying to install snapd on your Linux system? This error can be frustrating, but don't worry, we'll break down what's happening and provide solutions to get you back on track.

Understanding the "Conflicting Requests" Error

The "conflicting requests" error typically occurs when your system already has a package manager that manages software in a way that clashes with snapd. This often happens when you have package managers like APT (Debian/Ubuntu based systems) or yum (Red Hat/CentOS based systems) installed. These package managers manage software differently than snapd, which can lead to conflicts.

Example Scenario and Original Code

Let's imagine you're using Ubuntu 22.04 and you try to install snapd using the official command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install snapd

You run the command, but instead of a successful installation, you get the following error:

E: Unable to locate package snapd
E: Couldn't find any package by glob 'snapd'
E: Couldn't find any package by regex 'snapd'

This might seem confusing at first. You've tried to install snapd, but the system claims it can't find the package. This is where the "conflicting requests" error comes into play.

Delving Deeper: Why is it Happening?

The "conflicting requests" error is a symptom of a deeper issue – your system is attempting to use two different methods of managing software packages, leading to confusion.

APT: The apt command relies on APT, Ubuntu's default package manager. It manages software by downloading and installing packages from repositories.
Snapd: The snapd package manager is a different system that manages software packages in a more isolated environment (known as "snaps").

When you try to install snapd using apt, you're essentially telling APT to use its own methods to install snapd. This can lead to conflicts because:

Package Dependencies: APT might try to install packages that conflict with the dependencies required by snapd.
Installation Methods: APT and snapd use different methods to install and manage packages. This discrepancy can lead to problems.

Solving the "Conflicting Requests" Error

Here's a breakdown of solutions for the "conflicting requests" error:

1. Installing Snapd with APT:

For Ubuntu/Debian Systems:

To avoid conflicts, install snapd directly from the Ubuntu/Debian repositories:
```
sudo apt update && sudo apt install snapd
```
Important: After installing snapd, you might need to adjust the snapd configuration to enable the classic confinement mode for certain snaps. This is necessary for certain snaps that require more permissions:
```
sudo snap install core
sudo snap refresh core
```

2. Installing Snapd Manually:

If you're encountering issues with the previous approach, you can manually install snapd by downloading the installation script.

sudo apt update && sudo apt install curl
curl -s https://raw.githubusercontent.com/snapcore/snapd/master/install/linux/install-snapd.sh | sudo bash

3. Using a Different Package Manager:

If you're using a distribution with a different package manager like yum (Red Hat/CentOS), you'll need to refer to the official documentation for installing snapd on your specific distribution.

Important Notes

Verify the Source: Always ensure you're using the official installation instructions or scripts provided by the Snapd developers.
Check for Updates: If you're still encountering issues, make sure your system's package manager and operating system are up-to-date.
Classic Confinement: As mentioned, certain snaps may require the classic confinement mode for optimal functionality. Refer to the Snapd documentation for more information.

Additional Resources

By understanding the root cause of the "conflicting requests" error and following the suggested solutions, you can successfully install and use snapd on your Linux system. Enjoy the benefits of a reliable, isolated package management system!