The introduction of CentOS 8 has brought about a flurry of questions among Linux enthusiasts, particularly regarding the package manager used by this popular distribution. For years, yum (Yellowdog Updater, Modified) has been the de facto package manager for CentOS, but with the advent of CentOS 8, things have changed. In this article, we will delve into the world of CentOS 8 and explore whether it still uses yum or has transitioned to a new package manager.
A Brief History of yum
Before we dive into the CentOS 8 specifics, let’s take a brief look at the history of yum. yum is a package manager that originated from the Yellow Dog Linux distribution in the early 2000s. It was designed to simplify the process of installing, updating, and removing packages on Linux systems. yum’s popularity grew rapidly, and it eventually became the default package manager for several Linux distributions, including CentOS, RHEL, and Fedora.
yum’s success can be attributed to its ease of use, flexibility, and robust features. It allowed administrators to easily install and update packages, manage dependencies, and handle conflicts. yum’s configuration files, known as repos, made it simple to add or remove repositories, enabling users to access a vast array of software packages.
The Rise of dnf
In 2012, the Fedora project introduced a new package manager called dnf (Dandified Yum). dnf was designed to be a faster, more efficient, and more reliable alternative to yum. dnf’s architecture is built around a C++ backend, making it significantly faster than yum’s Python-based architecture. dnf also introduced several new features, such as improved dependency resolution, better handling of conflicts, and support for modular repositories.
As dnf matured, it began to gain traction in the Linux community. Fedora, naturally, adopted dnf as its default package manager, and other distributions, like CentOS and RHEL, started to consider it as an alternative to yum.
CentOS 8 and the Shift to dnf
With the release of CentOS 8, the distribution made a significant departure from its yum-based roots. CentOS 8 now uses dnf as its default package manager. This change was largely driven by the need for a more modern, efficient, and scalable package management system.
There are several reasons why CentOS 8 opted for dnf over yum:
Faster Performance
dnf is significantly faster than yum, thanks to its C++ backend. This speed advantage is critical for large-scale deployments and enterprise environments, where speedy package management is essential.
Better Dependency Resolution
dnf’s dependency resolution algorithm is more efficient and robust than yum’s. This results in fewer package conflicts and a more stable system overall.
Improved Modular Design
dnf’s modular design enables it to handle complex dependencies and modular repositories more effectively. This modular approach also makes it easier to maintain and update individual components of the package manager.
What Happens to yum in CentOS 8?
While CentOS 8 has transitioned to dnf, yum is not entirely gone. In fact, yum is still available in CentOS 8, albeit in a limited capacity. yum is now a wrapper around dnf, which means that yum commands are translated into dnf-compatible commands behind the scenes.
This arrangement allows administrators who are familiar with yum to continue using their existing workflows, while still benefiting from dnf’s improved performance and features. However, it’s essential to note that yum is no longer the primary package manager; dnf is the default and recommended package manager for CentOS 8.
Using dnf in CentOS 8
If you’re new to dnf or transitioning from yum, here are some essential dnf commands to get you started:
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| dnf install | Installs a package |
| dnf update | Updates all packages to the latest version |
| dnf list | Lists all installed packages |
| dnf remove | Removes a package |
These basic commands should help you navigate the world of dnf. However, it’s worth noting that dnf offers many more advanced features and options, so be sure to explore its capabilities further.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CentOS 8 has indeed moved away from yum as its default package manager. dnf is now the primary package manager, offering improved performance, dependency resolution, and modular design. While yum is still available as a wrapper around dnf, it’s essential to begin adopting dnf commands and workflows to take full advantage of CentOS 8’s features.
Remember, dnf is the future of package management on CentOS 8.
As you explore the world of CentOS 8, keep in mind that dnf is designed to be a more efficient, scalable, and reliable package manager. By embracing dnf, you’ll be better equipped to manage your Linux systems and take advantage of the latest features and security updates.
So, the next time you’re asked, “Does CentOS 8 use yum?”, you can confidently reply, “No, CentOS 8 uses dnf!”
Does CentOS 8 still use yum?
CentOS 8 does not use yum as its package manager. Instead, it uses the DNF (Dandified YUM) package manager, which is the default package manager for Fedora and RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux) 8. DNF is a rewritten version of yum that offers better performance, improved security, and additional features.
DNF is fully compatible with yum, and most yum commands work with DNF. This makes it easy for users who are familiar with yum to transition to DNF. However, some underlying mechanisms have changed, and it’s essential to understand the differences between the two package managers to take full advantage of DNF’s features.
Why did CentOS 8 switch from yum to DNF?
CentOS 8 switched from yum to DNF due to the need for a more modern and efficient package manager. yum was first introduced in 2003 and had become outdated, with performance issues and limitations. DNF, on the other hand, was designed to address these issues and provide a better package management experience.
The migration to DNF was also driven by the desire to align CentOS 8 with its upstream distribution, RHEL 8. By using the same package manager as RHEL, CentOS 8 can benefit from the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes. This makes CentOS 8 a more reliable and secure platform for users.
What are the benefits of using DNF over yum?
DNF offers several benefits over yum, including improved performance, better parallel processing, and support for modular repositories. DNF is also more efficient in terms of memory usage, making it suitable for systems with limited resources.
In addition, DNF provides better support for transactions, which allows for more reliable and atomic package updates. This reduces the risk of package conflicts and makes it easier to manage complex dependencies. DNF also includes a built-in plugin system, which enables developers to extend its functionality and add new features.
Can I still use yum on CentOS 8?
While CentOS 8 uses DNF as its default package manager, yum is still available as a compatibility layer. This means you can still use yum commands, and they will be translated to DNF commands under the hood. However, it’s essential to note that yum is not the recommended package manager for CentOS 8.
Using yum on CentOS 8 may lead to issues and limitations, as DNF is the primary package manager. It’s recommended to switch to DNF to take advantage of its features and improvements. If you’re familiar with yum, you’ll find that DNF offers a similar command-line interface, making the transition relatively smooth.
How do I learn more about DNF?
To learn more about DNF, you can start by exploring the DNF documentation, which provides detailed information on its usage, configuration, and features. You can also refer to the CentOS 8 documentation, which includes guides and tutorials on using DNF.
Additionally, you can experiment with DNF commands and explore its capabilities. DNF includes a built-in help system, which provides detailed information on its commands and options. You can also search online for tutorials, blogs, and forums where users share their experiences and tips on using DNF.
Will CentOS 7 continue to use yum?
Yes, CentOS 7 will continue to use yum as its package manager. yum is still the default package manager for CentOS 7, and it will remain so for the duration of the distribution’s lifecycle.
CentOS 7 is a mature distribution, and there are no plans to switch to DNF. yum will continue to receive updates and security patches, ensuring that CentOS 7 remains a reliable and secure platform for users.
Can I use yum on newer versions of CentOS?
No, yum is not available on newer versions of CentOS, including CentOS 8 and later. These versions use DNF as their default package manager, and yum is not supported.
If you need to use yum, you should stick with CentOS 7 or earlier versions. However, it’s recommended to migrate to DNF and take advantage of its features and improvements. DNF is the future of package management on CentOS, and it’s essential to adapt to the changes to ensure compatibility and support.