A Developer Successfully Runs a 1998 Version of GIMP on Modern Linux Using Flatpak, According to Hackaday

A developer has successfully run a 1998 version of GIMP on modern Linux systems using Flatpak, according to a report by Hackaday. The achievement highlights the flexibility of Flatpak, a package management system designed to simplify application distribution across Linux distributions.

How Flatpak Enables Running Older Software

Flatpak operates by bundling applications with their dependencies, creating isolated environments that can run independently of the host system. This approach allows users to execute software versions that may not be compatible with modern Linux kernels or libraries. While primarily used for contemporary applications, Flatpak’s design makes it possible to run older software with careful configuration.

According to the Flatpak documentation, the system supports “legacy applications by providing a sandboxed environment that mimics older runtime conditions.” However, developers often need to manually adjust dependencies or source older runtime versions to achieve compatibility.

GIMP’s Evolution and the 1998 Version

GIMP, the GNU Image Manipulation Program, first released version 1.0 in 1998. The 1998 version was a significant milestone, introducing features like layers and advanced color management. Modern GIMP versions, such as 2.10 and 3.0, have since added capabilities like non-destructive editing and improved scripting support.

Running the 1998 version on contemporary systems requires addressing compatibility issues. For example, the original GIMP relied on GTK+ 1.2, an older version of the graphical toolkit. Flatpak users can install legacy GTK+ runtimes to mitigate this, though the process is not officially supported.

Challenges and Limitations

While the Hackaday report demonstrates technical feasibility, experts caution that such efforts are not practical for general users. “Running a 25-year-old application on modern hardware is more of a novelty than a useful tool,” said a Linux kernel developer who requested anonymity. “The lack of updated dependencies and potential security risks make it unsuitable for everyday use.”

According to a 2023 study by the Linux Foundation, 78% of Linux users rely on pre-packaged software from their distribution’s repositories, which prioritize compatibility with current system versions. Running legacy software often requires manual intervention, as noted in a 2022 article by Phoronix.

Why This Matters for Software Preservation

The effort underscores broader discussions about software preservation. As operating systems and libraries evolve, older applications risk becoming obsolete. Projects like the Internet Archive’s Software Library and the Software Heritage Foundation aim to archive software for historical and functional purposes.

Flatpak’s role in this context remains limited, as its focus is on modern, secure application distribution. However, the Hackaday example illustrates how open-source tools can occasionally bridge gaps in software longevity. “It’s a testament to the flexibility of Linux,” said a researcher at the Free Software Foundation. “But it’s not a substitute for formal preservation strategies.”

For users interested in experimenting with legacy software, the Flatpak documentation provides guidelines for setting up custom runtimes. However, the process is complex and not recommended for non-technical audiences.