How to manage RPM packages on your Linux system

Many GNU/Linux distributions use the popular Red Hat Package Manager (RPM) system for managing software. This guide will walk you through the process of how to **install or remove an RPM package** on your system. While adding new software can sometimes be a complex task, RPM simplifies the process into a straightforward command.

How to manage RPM packages on GNU/Linux

Follow these steps to effectively install, remove, and utilize advanced options for RPM packages on your system.

Method 1: Installation

• Download your desired RPM package. If you’re looking for Red Hat RPM packages, you can find them from several sources:
  • The Red Hat Enterprise Linux installation media, which contain many installable RPMs.
  • The initial RPM repositories provided with the YUM package manager.
  • The Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux (EPEL) provides high-quality add-on packages for Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
• Install the RPM package. Once downloaded, you have two options:
  • Double-click the package file. A package management window will appear with instructions to guide you through the process.
  • Open a terminal window, and type rpm -i *package_location_and_name* (replace *package_location_and_name* with the actual path and name of your package file).

Method 2: Removal

• Open a terminal window, and type rpm -e *package_name* (do not include the file extension). For example: rpm -e gedit

Method 3: Helpful RPM flags

• Understand the rpm -i command syntax and its various options.
• Install-specific options:
  • -h (or --hash): Print hash marks (“#”) during install.
  • --test: Perform installation tests only.
  • --percent: Print percentages during install.
  • --excludedocs: Do not install documentation.
  • --includedocs: Install documentation.
  • --replacepkgs: Replace a package with a new copy of itself.
  • --replacefiles: Replace files owned by another package.
  • --force: Ignore package and file conflicts.
  • --noscripts: Do not execute pre- and post-install scripts.
  • --prefix <path>: Relocate package to <path> if possible.
  • --ignorearch: Do not verify package architecture.
  • --ignoreos: Do not verify package operating system.
  • --nodeps: Do not check dependencies.
  • --ftpproxy<host>: Use <host> as the FTP proxy.
  • --ftpport <port>: Use <port> as the FTP port.
• General options:
  • -v: Display additional information.
  • -vv: Display debugging information.
  • --root <path>: Set alternate root to <path>.
  • --rcfile <rcfile>: Set alternate rpmrc file to <rcfile>.
  • --dbpath <path>: Use <path> to find the RPM database.

Why this matters

Understanding how to install and remove RPM packages is fundamental for anyone working with GNU/Linux distributions like Red Hat, Fedora, or CentOS. This knowledge empowers you to customize your system, add essential tools, and remove unneeded software, optimizing performance and security.

Mastering RPM commands and options also provides greater control over your system’s software environment, allowing you to troubleshoot dependency issues, force installations when necessary, and manage packages efficiently from the command line, which is often crucial in server environments or for advanced users.