How to Install RPM Packages in Linux

(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.

How to Install RPM Packages in Linux

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:

How to Install RPM Packages in Linux

-i: Installs the package.

-v: Provides verbose output.

-h: Shows a progress bar.

Example:

How to Install RPM Packages in Linux


Checking Installed Packages:

How to Install RPM Packages in Linux

Uninstalling an RPM Package:

How to Install RPM Packages in Linux

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:

How to Install RPM Packages in Linux

Example:

How to Install RPM Packages in Linux

Uninstalling a Package:

How to Install RPM Packages in Linux

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:

How to Install RPM Packages in Linux

Example:

How to Install RPM Packages in Linux

Uninstalling a Package:

How to Install RPM Packages in Linux

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:

How to Install RPM Packages in Linux

For detailed information:

How to Install RPM Packages in Linux

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:

How to Install RPM Packages in Linux

or disable it temporarily:

How to Install RPM Packages in Linux

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.

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