How to Install Joplin on Debian 12 or 11

Joplin is an open-source note-taking and to-do application designed to support markdown, making it an ideal tool for those who need a flexible and powerful way to organize their notes and tasks. With features such as end-to-end encryption, synchronization with cloud services like Dropbox and Nextcloud, and a web clipper for saving web pages, Joplin is a versatile option for users looking to manage their information securely across multiple devices. It’s highly customizable and supports plugins, which extend its functionality even further, making it suitable for both personal and professional use.

On Debian 12 and 11, Joplin can be installed using two main methods. The first method involves using Joplin’s official installation bash script, which automates the process of downloading and setting up the latest version of Joplin directly from the developers. This ensures you are always using the most current version of the application. Alternatively, Joplin can be installed via Flatpak from Flathub, which provides a secure and sandboxed environment for running the application. This guide will walk you through both installation methods, allowing you to choose the best option based on your preferences.

Method 1: Install Joplin via Joplin Bash Script

Update Your Debian System Before Joplin Installation

Before initiating the installation of Joplin, updating your Debian system is crucial. This ensures all packages are current, reducing the likelihood of encountering conflicts or compatibility issues.

To update your system, execute the following commands in the terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

The “sudo apt update” command refreshes the system’s package database, ensuring it has the latest information on available updates. Following this, the “sudo apt upgrade” command upgrades all installed packages to their most recent versions.

Download and Execute Joplin’s Installation Script

Unlike many applications, Joplin is not included in Debian’s default repositories. However, the Joplin team offers a bash script that simplifies its installation. This script, available on GitHub, can be run directly in the terminal.

Run this command to download and execute Joplin’s installation script:

wget -O - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/laurent22/joplin/dev/Joplin_install_and_update.sh | bash

Breaking Down the Command:

• wget: A command-line utility that downloads files from the internet.
• -O -: Directs wget to output the downloaded file to the terminal (standard output).
• https://raw.githubusercontent.com/laurent22/joplin/dev/Joplin_install_and_update.sh: The direct URL to the Joplin installation script.
• |: The pipe symbol, used to pass the output of the preceding command to another command.
• bash: Executes the installation script.

Method 2: Install Joplin via Flatpak and Flathub

Before starting the installation process, it’s important to understand the tools we will use: Flatpak and Flathub. Flatpak is an open-source utility that lets users install and manage applications across different Linux distributions without dependency issues. It provides a sandbox environment, isolating applications from the rest of the system to enhance security and compatibility. Flathub, on the other hand, is a repository that hosts a wide range of applications distributed through Flatpak, making them easily accessible. Using Flatpak and Flathub provides a secure and straightforward way to install software, including Joplin, on various Linux distributions.

Note: Refer to this tutorial for a detailed guide on installing Flatpak on Debian.

Enable Flathub on Your Debian System

Flathub is a key repository for distributing applications through Flatpak. To integrate Flathub into your Flatpak environment on Debian, run the following command:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

This command ensures Flathub is recognized as a trusted source for Flatpak applications. The –if-not-exists option is a safeguard, preventing the re-addition of Flathub if it already exists in your system, thus avoiding redundant entries.

Install Joplin via Flatpak Command

With Flathub enabled, you can now install Joplin. The following command initiates the installation:

flatpak install flathub net.cozic.joplin_desktop -y

This command retrieves Joplin from the Flathub repository, ensuring a streamlined installation process on your Debian system. The application identifier net.cozic.joplin_desktop uniquely represents Joplin in Flathub, facilitating its accurate installation.

Launching Joplin via CLI Commands or GUI Path

CLI Commands to Launch Joplin

Depending on your chosen installation method, the command to launch Joplin from the terminal varies. Here are the specific commands for each method:

Bash Script Launch Method

Making the Joplin AppImage Executable

To ensure smooth execution of Joplin from any user account, making the Joplin AppImage executable is essential. This step is crucial as it grants the necessary application permissions. You can achieve this by executing the following command in your terminal:

chmod +x /home/$USER/.joplin/Joplin.AppImage

This command modifies the permissions of the Joplin AppImage file, located in the .joplin directory of the user’s home folder. The $USER variable dynamically represents the current user’s username, making this command adaptable for any user on the system.

Creating a Symbolic Link for Easy Access

After making the AppImage executable, the next step involves creating a symbolic link in a directory that’s part of the system’s PATH. This allows you to launch Joplin using a simple command, regardless of your current directory in the terminal. The symbolic link acts as a shortcut to the actual AppImage file. Execute the following command to create this link:

sudo ln -s /home/$USER/.joplin/Joplin.AppImage /usr/local/bin/joplin

By placing the symbolic link in /usr/local/bin, a directory typically included in the system’s PATH, you enable the launch of Joplin by simply typing joplin in the terminal.

joplin

Flatpak Launch Method

For installations completed using Flatpak, the command to launch Joplin is slightly different:

flatpak run net.cozic.joplin_desktop

• flatpak run: Instructs Flatpak to execute a specific application.
• net.cozic.joplin_desktop: The unique identifier for Joplin in the Flatpak system.

This command activates Joplin, allowing you to utilize its comprehensive note-taking and organization functionalities.

GUI Launch Method

For users who prefer a graphical interface, launching Joplin is straightforward and does not require terminal interaction:

1. Go to the ‘Show Applications’ icon, typically at the bottom left corner of the Debian desktop environment.
2. Type ‘Joplin’ in the search bar. The Joplin application icon will appear as you type.
3. Click on the Joplin icon to open the application.

Managing Joplin

Updating Joplin

Keeping Joplin updated is essential for ensuring optimal security and performance. The update procedure varies depending on the installation method: Joplin Bash Script or Flatpak.

Bash Script Update Method for Joplin

Consider setting up a cron job for regular updates if Joplin was installed via the Joplin bash script. This automated approach ensures Joplin remains current without manual intervention.

First, open your crontab file with:

crontab -e

Then, add this line to update Joplin at every system startup:

@reboot bash /path/to/your/joplin_update_script.sh

Replace /path/to/your/joplin_update_script.sh with the actual path to your Joplin update script.

Note: This is optional; you can manually run the script yourself.

Flatpak Command Update Method for Joplin

Updating Joplin installed via Flatpak is straightforward. To update all Flatpak applications, including Joplin, use:

flatpak update

To update Joplin specifically, execute:

flatpak update net.cozic.joplin_desktop

Removing Joplin

In specific scenarios, you might need to uninstall Joplin. Here are the steps for both the bash script installation method and Flatpak installations.

Joplin Manual Remove Method

To remove Joplin installed via the bash script, delete the Joplin directory:

rm -rf ~/.joplin
rm -rf ~/.config/*Joplin*
rm -rf ~/.config/*joplin*

This command will remove the Joplin directory and all its contents.

Flatpak Command Remove Method for Joplin

To remove Joplin installed through Flatpak, execute:

flatpak uninstall net.cozic.joplin_desktop

This command effectively uninstalls Joplin from your Debian system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, installing Joplin on Debian using either the bash script or Flatpak gives you flexibility in managing this powerful note-taking app. The bash script offers a straightforward way to get the latest version with all its features, while the Flatpak method provides a more secure and stable environment through isolation. Whichever method you choose, Joplin will enhance your Debian system with a reliable tool for organizing notes, tasks, and important information, ensuring your data stays synchronized and secure across all your devices.

Useful Links

Here are some helpful links:

• Joplin GitHub Repository: Access the source code, report issues, and contribute to the development of Joplin.
• Joplin Official Website: Visit the official website for an overview of Joplin, its features, and download options.
• Joplin Community Forum: Join the community forum to discuss Joplin, ask questions, and share tips with other users.
• Joplin Help and Documentation: Explore the help section for detailed documentation and guides on using Joplin effectively.