JJazzLab (BIAB alternative for linux users)

[Doug Garrick]

I followed up a tip from Bob Shilling about JJazzLab which is a linux alternate to BIAB for folks like me who use linux. I started this thread to log my efforts with JJazzLab and relay my experience. Hopefully it's helpful to the other linux users who don't like the dual booting method for keeping BIAB on their machines. I use System76's hardware and their POP_OS linux.

First off, JJazzLab is available in two installation methods, a Flatpak version and the zipped version. Since JJazzLab was listed by System76 via their Cosmic app store I assume it's available in most of the other distro's application repositories. The other version is a standard 'zip' file available from https://www.jjazzlab.org/en/

I initially installed the Flatpak version from System76. However, Flatpak applications are generally run in 'sandboxed' environments (which are great for a lot of reasons) but there are some things about running this particular sandboxed application that were awkward so I am going to switch to the standalone zipped version. Briefly, the Flatpak sandbox restricts access to system directories, including /usr/bin, where the java tools/files are located. That and the user directories for songs and rhythm styles are not easily identified and that's the real show stopper - for me. ( I like the security of sandboxed apps and it makes sense if you're getting a lot of files from internet sources but it does come with some overhead ).

I have already installed the direct zipped version so standby for updates..


dg