(How to Install RPM Packages in Linux) There are many variants of Linux distributions and they almost always use different systems for managing packages. The RPM (Red Hat Package Manager), in particular, recently became dominating, especially for Red Hat-based distributions. RPM files contain the software and all the files needed for installation at a specific location under a particular name. You will learn how to install RPM packages in Linux in detail here.
1. Understanding RPM Files
An RPM file is a file with the extension .rpm and is precompiled software used for installation on compatible systems. Common Red Hat-based distributions using RPM are:
It includes Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
Fedora
CentOS
Rocky Linux
AlmaLinux
2. Prerequisites
Before installing RPM packages, ensure:
It shows that your user account has root or sudo privileges, only then you are able to access the terminal.
It should also have rpm and dnf or yum package managers depending on the version of the Fedora Linux.
3. How Further rpm Packages
Method 1: Using the rpm Command
The RPM command is essential for building, installing, updating, and deleting RPM packages. However, it does not automatically resolve dependencies, as would be expected from similar tools.
Installation Command:
-i
: Installs the package.
-v
: Provides verbose output.
-h
: Shows a progress bar.
Example:
Checking Installed Packages:
Uninstalling an RPM Package:
Method 2: Using the dnf
Command (Recommended for Modern Systems)
dnf
is the modern package manager for RPM-based distributions, replacing yum
. It automatically resolves dependencies.
Installation Command:
Example:
Uninstalling a Package:
Method 3: Using the yum
Command (For Older Systems)
yum
was the default package manager before dnf
and is still used on older systems.
Installation Command:
Example:
Uninstalling a Package:
4. Managing Dependencies
When installing RPM packages using rpm
, you might encounter dependency issues. Here’s how to handle them:
Option 1: Manually Install Dependencies
Download and install all required RPMs individually.
Option 2: Use dnf
or yum
These commands resolve dependencies automatically, making the process smoother.
5. Verifying Package Installation
You can verify an installed package using:
For detailed information:
6. Common Issues and Troubleshooting
1. Dependency Conflicts
Use dnf
or yum
to avoid these.
2. Corrupt RPM File
If you receive an error like “not an RPM package,” download the file again.
3. GPG Signature Verification Failed
You can bypass this with:
or disable it temporarily:
7. Conclusion
As with all elements of Linux, installing RPM packages is quite simple, as soon as you learn the available options. On the other hand, rpm provides precise control over your package, dnf and yum are easier tools because, among others, they deal with dependencies. With the help of the guide, you’ve obtained the basic information on how to work with RPM packages in your Linux operating system.
The process of installing RPM packages is an important part of Linux specifically for the people who work on distributions such as Red Hat, Fedora, CentOS, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, and so on. In this guide, you’ve learned the core concepts of installing, working with, and inspecting packages using the rpm command, and other tools like dnf and yum. Each method has its strengths: whereas rpm gives direct control, dnf and yum make it easier by pulling dependencies on their own.
It is also a good way to learn about these methods, as the knowledge not only improves your abilities in managing a system but also counts on you in case of more difficult tasks within package management. And even if you are a newcomer to Linux, simply increasing in value your general knowledge of this system, experienced Linux users help improve their skills, and mastering the installation process through RPM is inimitable. After reading this guide of steps, you will have the assurance you need in handling RPM packages to have an up-to-date, secure, and efficient Linux system.