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I'm trying to figure out which KeePass version I should install. Ubuntu Software Center doesn't make the choice any more easier.

In the description of KeePassX, it says (emphasis added):

In contrast to KeePassXC (package keepassxc), the development pace of KeePassX has slowed down. It has less features, and uses an outdated version of the Qt widget. If you do not know whether you should install keepassx or keepassxc, install keepassx instead!

Wait, what?? KeePassX is fading out, has less features and is built on outdated technology, so you should use that? Well, I think I would rather choose a package that is more actively developed, has more features and is built on modern tech.

However, there seems to be two versions of KeePassXC in the Software Center:

  • 2.6.6 (151 reviews): "Modern, secure, and cross-platform password manager compatible with KeePass"
  • 2.6.6+dfsg.1-1~exp1 (169 reviews): "Community-driven port of the Windows application “KeePass Password Safe”"

Now, what is the practical difference between the two versions of KeePassXC, and are there really some reasons to prefer KeePassX instead?

I'm grateful for all the help. Trying out the different versions would be quite an undertaking, as there are plenty of relevant use-cases across different platforms.

teppo
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  • After upgrading to Ubuntu 23.04, I see KeePassX is not installed; I seem to have both KeepasXC and Keepass2 installed. I see in APT there is now: keepass, keepassx and keepassxc (I don't trust Snap with anything important). keepassx identifies as an "empty transitional package". I don't know what that means exactly, so I install it, which concludes with the message keepassx is already the newest version (2.0.3+keepassxc1). So KeePassXC appears to be Ubuntu's choice for prior users of KeePassX. – user643722 Jun 25 '23 at 15:40

1 Answers1

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The difference between the two KeePassXC versions is essentially their version number. You see two versions, because KeePassXC is available in two different package formats, as a traditional .deb package from the Ubuntu software sources and as a Snap package. Typically, the Snap version will be newer than the .deb package. This question outlines a few of the pros and cons of each format.

vanadium
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  • Thanks vanadium! Is there an easy way to tell Snap and deb packages apart in the Software Center? The Source (always "snapcraft.io" for Snap?)? So, I guess in this case, "2.6.6" is the Snap version..? – teppo Dec 22 '21 at 08:58
  • Yes, you can see in the Software center what the source is. – vanadium Dec 22 '21 at 09:31