The problem is, for compiled plugins like gmic_gimp_qt and any specific distro
You need the gimp development package (libgimp3...dev + all its dependencies) Look at the available plugins on the gmic site and they are very specific. Apart from clever folk who might use other methods, you only get that with a working Gimp 3.0 installation. At the moment, apart from fedora etc, I know of 2 versions of Gimp 3.0 from ubuntu PPA's and Debian trixie / (maybe now in buster)
The gimp.org appimage is a great piece of work but which linux is it based on ? Looking at the long script they use, looks like Gimp 3 is compiled in place from git and then bundled in an appimage, all as one operation. I think it will be some sort of Debian but which one ?
Yes, you can use stand-alone versions of many utilities, gmic is one, another I use is XSane gimp plugin and dare I say it, I use the nufraw plugin (who needs 120 MB of DT/RT just to import an RAW file - Do not point out the limitations, I know them). Those old plugins gone in Gimp 3.0
The other way, now that Gimp 3.0 is "stable" and using 'buntu or spin off. Install Gimp 3.0 from a PPA and use Gimp 2.10 as an appimage. I did look at that, but Gimp 3.0 has dependencies which break other things and I am not keen on sorting that out on my installation.
Nostagia break:
I remember going from Gimp 2.6 to Gimp 2.8 and that was a great leap.
Gimp 2.8 -> 2.10 not such a leap but I appreciate the tool groups
Gimp 2.10 -> Gimp 3.0 At the moment I am somewhat underwhelmed. Everything seems to involve a longer workflow / more complicated. Less productivity.
So that is my position, by all means use Gimp 3.0 and get used to how it works. Keep a version of Gimp 2.10 for everyday use. Remember, most users do not need cutting-edge "anything".
You need the gimp development package (libgimp3...dev + all its dependencies) Look at the available plugins on the gmic site and they are very specific. Apart from clever folk who might use other methods, you only get that with a working Gimp 3.0 installation. At the moment, apart from fedora etc, I know of 2 versions of Gimp 3.0 from ubuntu PPA's and Debian trixie / (maybe now in buster)
The gimp.org appimage is a great piece of work but which linux is it based on ? Looking at the long script they use, looks like Gimp 3 is compiled in place from git and then bundled in an appimage, all as one operation. I think it will be some sort of Debian but which one ?
Yes, you can use stand-alone versions of many utilities, gmic is one, another I use is XSane gimp plugin and dare I say it, I use the nufraw plugin (who needs 120 MB of DT/RT just to import an RAW file - Do not point out the limitations, I know them). Those old plugins gone in Gimp 3.0
The other way, now that Gimp 3.0 is "stable" and using 'buntu or spin off. Install Gimp 3.0 from a PPA and use Gimp 2.10 as an appimage. I did look at that, but Gimp 3.0 has dependencies which break other things and I am not keen on sorting that out on my installation.
Nostagia break:
I remember going from Gimp 2.6 to Gimp 2.8 and that was a great leap.
Gimp 2.8 -> 2.10 not such a leap but I appreciate the tool groups
Gimp 2.10 -> Gimp 3.0 At the moment I am somewhat underwhelmed. Everything seems to involve a longer workflow / more complicated. Less productivity.
So that is my position, by all means use Gimp 3.0 and get used to how it works. Keep a version of Gimp 2.10 for everyday use. Remember, most users do not need cutting-edge "anything".