Introduction

What is Soar?

Soar is a fast Linux package manager that doesn't suck. Works with static binaries, AppImages, and other portable stuff.

soar

Key Features

Universal Package Support

  • Binary Packages: Direct installation of pre-compiled binaries - no system compilation needed, only bandwidth and storage
  • AppImage Integration: Smart desktop integration with automatic icon scaling, menu entries, and runtime fixes
  • FlatImage Support: Seamless handling of Flatpak-style packages
  • Multiple Format Handling: Extensible architecture supporting various package formats

Desktop Integration

Soar strictly follows the freedesktop.org specifications for seamless Linux desktop integration.

  • Automatic Desktop Entries: Seamless integration with desktop menus through properly configured desktop files and icons
  • Icon Management: Automatic scaling and integration of application icons across all system themes and resolutions
  • Smart Symlink Handling: Intelligent binary path management
  • Portable Configurations: Take your entire setup anywhere - relocate all apps and their configurations to any device
By following freedesktop.org specifications, Soar ensures consistent behavior across different Linux desktop environments and distributions.

Why Choose Soar?

Soar stands out from traditional package managers by offering:

  1. Speed and Efficiency

    • Uses pre-built binary cache - no unsafe local compilation or shell scripts running on your machine
    • Built with Rust for reliable, fast performance instead of shell script patchworks
    • Parallel downloads and installations

  2. User Experience

    • Intuitive commands that make sense without memorizing manpages
    • Clear, human-friendly error messages instead of cryptic codes
    • Real-time progress feedback during operations

  3. Flexibility

    • Support for multiple formats: static binaries, AppImages, FlatImages, AppBundles, and more
    • Fully portable configurations - take your entire setup anywhere

  4. Integration

    • Comprehensive desktop environment integration across all package formats
    • Smart handling of icons, menus, and file associations
    • Intelligent runtime fixes and compatibility layers

  5. Security

    • All packages built on secure remote CI servers with transparent build logs
    • Build logs available for auditing via soar log <package>
    • Cryptographic verification using BLAKE3 checksums for all downloads
    • No arbitrary script execution on your machine
Unlike traditional package managers that run arbitrary build scripts on your system, Soar uses pre-built binaries that are compiled in transparent, auditable environments.