🧰 Linux/Unix: RHEL-Based Package Management – yum, dnf, rpm Explained with Examples

🧲 Introduction – Why Learn RHEL-Based Package Managers?

If you’re working with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), CentOS, Rocky Linux, or Fedora, you’ll manage software using yum, dnf, and rpm. These tools help install, update, and troubleshoot packages using .rpm files and repositories.

🎯 In this guide, you’ll learn:

• How to manage software with yum, dnf, and rpm
• Key differences and use cases for each tool
• Real command-line examples and practical tips

---

🍽️ 1. yum – Yellowdog Updater, Modified

✅ What is yum?

yum is a high-level package manager used in RHEL-based systems to install, remove, and update software. It handles dependencies and works with online or local repositories.

🛠️ Syntax:

sudo yum [command] [package]

---

🔹 Common yum Commands:

Command	Description
install	Install a package
remove	Remove a package
update	Update all packages
search	Search for a package
info	Show package details
list installed	List all installed packages

---

🧪 Example:

sudo yum install httpd

📤 Output:

Installed:
  httpd.x86_64 0:2.4.6-97.el7.centos

✅ Update all packages:

sudo yum update

---

⚙️ 2. dnf – Dandified Yum (Modern Replacement)

✅ What is dnf?

dnf is the modern replacement for yum, available in Fedora and RHEL 8+. It offers better performance, dependency handling, and transaction history.

🛠️ Syntax:

sudo dnf [command] [package]

---

🔹 Common dnf Commands:

Command	Description
install	Install packages with dependencies
remove	Remove packages
upgrade	Update all system packages
search	Search available packages
info	Show detailed package info
history	View transaction history

---

🧪 Example:

sudo dnf install vim

📤 Output:

Installed:
  vim-enhanced-2:8.0.1763-19.el8.x86_64

✅ View install/remove history:

dnf history

---

📦 3. rpm – Red Hat Package Manager (Low-Level)

✅ What is rpm?

rpm is the low-level tool for installing .rpm files directly. It doesn’t resolve dependencies automatically.

🛠️ Syntax:

sudo rpm [option] package.rpm

---

🔹 Common rpm Commands:

Command	Description
-i	Install a package
-U	Upgrade a package
-e	Erase/remove a package
-q	Query installed package
-ql	List files of a package
-qf [file]	Find which package owns a file

---

🧪 Example 1: Install .rpm package

sudo rpm -ivh google-chrome.rpm

📤 Output:

Preparing...                #################################
Updating / installing...
   1:google-chrome-stable   #################################

🧪 Example 2: Check if a package is installed

rpm -q wget

🧠 If dependencies are missing:

sudo yum install -y --skip-broken

---

🧠 Tool Comparison: yum vs dnf vs rpm

Feature	yum	dnf	rpm
Dependency resolution	✅	✅	❌
Repository usage	✅	✅	❌ (local files only)
Speed & performance	Medium	Faster	Fast (local)
Script-friendly	✅	✅	✅
Recommended use	Legacy systems	Modern RHEL & Fedora	Manual package install

---

📌 Summary – Recap & Next Steps

For RHEL-based distributions, mastering yum, dnf, and rpm lets you confidently manage packages, perform updates, and install offline software. Use yum/dnf for regular tasks and rpm for low-level control.

🔍 Key Takeaways:

• Use yum or dnf for automatic dependency management.
• Use dnf on newer systems (RHEL 8+, Fedora).
• Use rpm for manual .rpm installs or queries.

---

❓ FAQs

❓ What’s the difference between yum and dnf?
✅ dnf is a modern replacement for yum, offering better performance, rollback, and modular support.

❓ Can I still use yum on RHEL 8?
✅ Yes, but it’s a symlink to dnf internally.

❓ How do I fix a broken rpm install?
✅ Use:

sudo yum install -f

❓ How do I list all .rpm packages installed?
✅ Run:

rpm -qa

❓ Can I uninstall a package installed with rpm using dnf?
✅ Yes. All managers interface with the same underlying RPM database.

---

Share Now :