Linux Distribution Setup

RPM vs. DEB: A Guide to Linux Package Management

Linux uses RPM and DEB packages for software installation. RPM is for Red Hat-based systems like Fedora, while DEB is for Debian-based systems like Ubuntu. Learn the differences, installation commands, and how to manage dependencies to make your Linux experience seamless!

Alex Reed

Sep 10, 2024 — 4 min read

Choosing the right software for your computer can be tricky, but installing it is often even harder! Linux uses something called "packages" to bundle software together for easy installation. There are two main types of packages: RPM and DEB. This article will help you understand how they work and which one is right for you.

What are RPM and DEB Packages?

Think of a package like a box of Lego bricks. It contains everything you need to build a specific thing (like a house or car). In the world of Linux, packages contain all the files needed to run a program.

RPM: Red Hat Package Manager

RPM packages are like Lego boxes from a specific store. They work best with Linux operating systems built on the "Red Hat" code base. This includes popular distributions like Fedora, CentOS, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). You can spot an RPM package by its file extension: .rpm.

DEB: Debian Package

DEB packages are like Lego boxes from another store. They work best with Linux operating systems built on the "Debian" code base. This includes popular distributions like Ubuntu, Mint, and Debian itself. You can spot a DEB package by its file extension: .deb.

Key Differences

The main difference between RPM and DEB is their "DNA." They're designed to work with different families of Linux operating systems. This means you can't just swap a DEB package onto a Red Hat system or an RPM package onto a Debian system!

Compatibility

RPM: Designed for Red Hat-based systems.
DEB: Designed for Debian-based systems.

Tools

These packages are like Lego instructions. They tell your computer how to put them together and keep them updated.

RPM: Uses rpm, yum (for older systems), and dnf (for newer systems) tools for installation and management.
DEB: Uses dpkg and apt tools for installation and management.

Installing Packages: Let's Get Building!

Installing a package is like building a Lego model. Here's how you do it:

Installing RPM Packages

Download the package: Find the package you want online and save it to your computer. It will have the .rpm extension.
Open your toolbox: Open a terminal window (a black box where you type commands).
Use the right tool: To install an RPM package, type the following command, replacing package_name.rpm with the actual package name:
```
sudo rpm -ivh package_name.rpm
```
This tells the computer to "install" (the -i flag) the package (package_name.rpm) using the RPM tool (the rpm command). The -v flag shows you progress, and the -h flag tells you how much time is left.

If you have a newer system, you can use dnf instead:
```
sudo dnf install package_name.rpm
```
Older systems might use yum:
```
sudo yum install package_name.rpm
```

Installing DEB Packages

Download the package: Find the package you want online and save it to your computer. It will have the .deb extension.
Open your toolbox: Open a terminal window (a black box where you type commands).
Use the right tool: To install a DEB package, type the following command, replacing package_name.deb with the actual package name:
```
sudo dpkg -i package_name.deb
```
This tells the computer to "install" (the -i flag) the package (package_name.deb) using the DPKG tool (the dpkg command).

For a more user-friendly experience, you can use apt:
```
sudo apt install ./package_name.deb
```

Uninstalling Packages: Taking it Apart

Uninstalling a package is like taking your Lego model apart. Here's how:

Uninstalling RPM Packages

Open your toolbox: Open a terminal window (a black box where you type commands).
Use the right tool: To remove an RPM package, type the following command, replacing package_name with the actual package name:
```
sudo rpm -e package_name
```
This tells the computer to "erase" (the -e flag) the package using the RPM tool (the rpm command).

If you have a newer system, you can use dnf instead:
```
sudo dnf remove package_name
```
Older systems might use yum:
```
sudo yum remove package_name
```

Uninstalling DEB Packages

Open your toolbox: Open a terminal window (a black box where you type commands).
Use the right tool: To remove a DEB package, type the following command, replacing package_name with the actual package name:
```
sudo dpkg -r package_name
```
This tells the computer to "remove" (the -r flag) the package using the DPKG tool (the dpkg command).

For a more user-friendly experience, you can use apt:
```
sudo apt remove package_name
```

Updating Packages: Keeping Things Fresh

Updating packages is like getting new instructions for your Lego model, adding more pieces, or fixing broken parts. Here's how you do it:

Updating RPM Packages

Open your toolbox: Open a terminal window (a black box where you type commands).
Use the right tool: To update an RPM package, type the following command, replacing package_name with the actual package name:
```
sudo yum update package_name
```
If you have a newer system, you can use dnf instead:
```
sudo dnf update package_name
```

Updating DEB Packages

Open your toolbox: Open a terminal window (a black box where you type commands).
Use the right tool: To update a DEB package, type the following commands, replacing package_name with the actual package name:
```
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade package_name
```

Dependency Handling: Making Sure Everything Fits

Sometimes, installing a package requires other packages to work properly. Think of it like needing a specific type of Lego brick to finish your model.

RPM: yum and dnf take care of these dependencies for you, making sure all the necessary packages are installed.
DEB: apt handles dependencies, ensuring that all required packages are downloaded and installed.

Example Use Cases: Building with Both Systems

Let's imagine you want to install a program called htop, which lets you see what your computer is doing.

Building on Fedora (RPM)

Download the package: Find the RPM package for htop online and download it to your Fedora computer.
Install the package: Open a terminal window and type:
```
sudo dnf install htop.rpm
```
This will install htop and any other necessary packages.

Building on Ubuntu (DEB)

Download the package: Find the DEB package for htop online and download it to your Ubuntu computer.
Install the package: Open a terminal window and type:
```
sudo apt install ./htop.deb
```
This will install htop and any other necessary packages.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Lego Set

RPM and DEB are like different Lego stores, each offering a vast collection of software packages. The key is to choose the right system for your Linux distribution.

If you use Red Hat-based systems like Fedora or CentOS, use RPM packages.
If you use Debian-based systems like Ubuntu or Mint, use DEB packages.

Knowing how to use these package management systems can make your Linux experience much smoother. Happy coding!