Hi,
I'm a big fan of synaptic, it is the type of efficient tool that I like.
I'd like to suggest a few improvements to it. I'm not a programmer, so I
can't contribute by coding. Here are the suggestions :
Suggestion 1.
- There is a GUI behavior that annoys me. When a list of software
is being installed/updated/removed... The GUI turns grey (it is locked
to prevent interference). This is normal, however, this is blocking
people to explore and chose other packages during the lengthy process.
In other GUI package stores (gnome-software...) it is possible to
continue exploration and it is also possible to add packages to the
installation queue without interfering with the process. This feature
would be great for Synaptic. It is just a matter of greying/locking the
appropriate buttons, not all the GUI.
Suggestion 2.
- Another thing, Gnome-Software is classifying packages with a star
rating according to users. There is also a way to put comments so the
choice becomes clear. Suggestions according to popularity and editor's
choice are also proposed. This help the chooser very much. It could be
done in synaptic. It is just a matter of adding a column with stars in
the choosing list. Most users won't dive in synaptic during hours to
find the right package, this prevent good software to be selected
because it is placed way down in the list.
Suggestion 3.
-I think that gnome software is also compatible with flatpak and snapd.
To add this capability would greatly improve synaptic. There is also
Appimages that could be downloaded through the interface. It could also
turn "on" the executable bit automatically.
All that could make synaptic more competitive with a simpler GUI
software stores such as Gnome-Software.
Thank you,
Joel Lapointe