diff --git a/docs/guides/install-gnu.md b/docs/guides/install-gnu.md index 0105779543..f30e5aba36 100644 --- a/docs/guides/install-gnu.md +++ b/docs/guides/install-gnu.md @@ -18,7 +18,70 @@ installing RetroArch on systems running the GNU/Linux kernel. --- -## Flatpak (suitable for most Linux distributions) +## AppImage (suitable for most GNU/Linux distributions) + +### AM + +[AM](https://github.com/ivan-hc/AM) is a powerful command-line package manager for managing AppImage software. It allows users to install, update, and remove AppImages either system-wide or locally without manual setup. + +1. Installation + +There are no system packages available for AM in common repositories, so it must be installed manually. + +Follow the official installation instructions provided at: https://github.com/ivan-hc/AM + +During setup, you’ll be prompted to choose one of two installation modes: + +* Option 1: AM – for system-wide AppImage management (requires root privileges). +* Option 2: appman – for local, user-level AppImage management (no root access required). + +Choose the option that best suits your environment and permissions. + + +2. Searching for AppImages + +Once installation is complete, verify that AM or AppMan is working by performing a search. +Use the appropriate command depending on your installation: + + +``` +# For system-wide installation +am -q retroarch + +# For user-level installation +appman -q retroarch +``` + +This query searches for available AppImages matching “retroarch” and displays a list of results. +Example output: + +``` +$ appman -q retroarch + + SEARCH RESULTS FOR "RETROARCH": + + ◆ retroarch-nightly : RetroArch is a free and open-source, cross-platform frontend for emulators, game engines, video games, media players and other applications. + ◆ retroarch-qt-nightly : RetroArch is a free and open-source, cross-platform frontend for emulators, game engines, video games, media players and other applications. + ◆ retroarch-qt : RetroArch is a free and open-source, cross-platform frontend for emulators, game engines, video games, media players and other applications. + ◆ retroarch : RetroArch is a free and open-source, cross-platform frontend for emulators, game engines, video games, media players and other applications. +``` + +3. Installing an AppImage + +To install your chosen AppImage, use the -i flag. +For example, to install the RetroArch Nightly build (ideal for testing or bug reporting): + +`appman -i retroarch-nightly` + +AM or AppMan will automatically download, validate, and integrate the AppImage into your environment. + +4. Notes and Recommendations + +* Nightly builds are recommended when submitting bug reports or testing new features. +* Stable releases are better suited for everyday use. +* Use the same tool (am or appman) for all lifecycle tasks—installation, updates, and removal. + +## Flatpak (suitable for most GNU/Linux distributions) Flatpak is a distribution-agnostic packaging format with broad support throughout the Linux ecosystem. An official [RetroArch