Revisiting Canonical's Test Drive - What Went Wrong?

In 2011, Ubuntu introduced a feature called Test Drive that allowed users to try out software remotely before installing it on their local system. The idea was similar to the concept of test-driving a car or trying out a product before committing to a purchase. With this feature, users could evaluate software in an environment without the need to install it first. This feature was particularly helpful in a time when app stores for desktop operating systems were becoming more common, and it offered a way for users to try out new applications without the risk of cluttering their system or dealing with the hassle of an incomplete installation.

Despite its initial promise, the Test Drive feature didn’t last long in Ubuntu’s development. As Canonical shifted its focus to new technologies, Test Drive was eventually discontinued. One of the primary reasons was the transition to newer methods of software distribution, particularly Snap packages. Snap, a containerized package format, made it easier for users to install applications¹ without worrying about dependencies or system compatibility, offering a more efficient way of distributing software across different Linux distributions.

The end of Test Drive coincided with the decline of Canonical’s own Unity interface and the company’s eventual move back to the GNOME desktop environment. In this new environment, the need for features like Test Drive faded, as the focus shifted to more integrated solutions for software distribution and testing. Instead, Snap allowed users to install applications more easily and securely, providing the same “try-before-you-install” experience in a more seamless way.

In addition, Ubuntu’s focus on Snap packages was complemented by the development of other packaging formats like Flatpak and AppImages. These containerized formats allowed applications to be easily tested and updated, reducing the necessity for dedicated virtualized testing environments. Despite the discontinuation of Test Drive, Canonical’s efforts to make software installation and testing easier than ever continued through these newer technologies.

While Test Drive was an innovative feature for its time, it ultimately became redundant as Snap and other methods for software distribution gained traction, making it just another short-lived experiment in the evolution of Ubuntu.