EPEL (Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux) is a repository that provides additional packages for RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux) and its derivatives, such as CentOS and Oracle Linux. These additional packages are not available in the default repositories, and they help extend the functionality of your Linux distribution by offering a wider range of software options. EPEL is a community-driven repository, maintained by the Fedora Project, and it aims to provide high-quality, tested packages that follow the same guidelines and principles as the Fedora Project itself.
Installing EPEL allows you to access a wide range of software packages that can be essential for developers, system administrators, and users who require specific software not available in the base distribution.
In this short guide, we will show you how to install the EPEL repository on RHEL, CentOS, and other compatible systems, making it easier for you to find and install the additional packages you need.
Step 1: Check Your Linux Distribution and Version
Before installing the EPEL repository, it’s important to check your Linux distribution and its version. The following command will display your system’s information:
cat /etc/*-release
Ensure that you are using a compatible RHEL-based distribution.
Step 2: Install the EPEL Repository
The method for installing the EPEL repository depends on your Linux distribution and version.
For RHEL 8 and CentOS 8:
Run the following command to install the EPEL repository:
sudo dnf install https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/epel/epel-release-latest-8.noarch.rpm
For RHEL 7 and CentOS 7:
Run the following command to install the EPEL repository:
sudo yum install https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/epel/epel-release-latest-7.noarch.rpm
For RHEL 6 and CentOS 6:
Run the following command to install the EPEL repository:
sudo yum install https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/epel/epel-release-latest-6.noarch.rpm
Once the EPEL repository is installed, the package manager (either yum or dnf) will automatically enable it.
Example :
Retrieving https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/epel/7/x86_64/e/epel-release-7-9.noarch.rpm Preparing... ################################# [100%] Updating / installing... 1:epel-release-7-9 ################################# [100%]
Step 3: Verify the EPEL Repository Installation
After installing the EPEL repository, you can verify that it has been successfully enabled by listing your system’s repositories.
For dnf users (RHEL 8 and CentOS 8), run:
sudo dnf repolist
For yum users (RHEL 6/7 and CentOS 6/7), run:
sudo yum repolist
The output should include the EPEL repository in the list. Something like this:
# sudo yum repolist Loaded plugins: fastestmirror Loading mirror speeds from cached hostfile * base: mirrors.linode.com * epel: ftp.osuosl.org * extras: mirrors.linode.com * updates: mirrors.linode.com repo id repo name status base/7/x86_64 CentOS-7 - Base 9,363 epel/x86_64 Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux 7 - x86_64 11,046 extras/7/x86_64 CentOS-7 - Extras 200 nginx/x86_64 nginx repo 41 updates/7/x86_64 CentOS-7 - Updates 438 varnish-4.1/x86_64 Varnish Cache 4.1 for Enterprise Linux 31 repolist: 21,119
Commands and Their Functions:
- cat /etc/*-release – Displays the Linux distribution and version.
- sudo dnf install [URL] – Installs the EPEL repository on RHEL 8 and CentOS 8 systems using dnf.
- sudo yum install [URL] – Installs the EPEL repository on RHEL 6/7 and CentOS 6/7 systems using yum.
- sudo dnf repolist – Lists the repositories enabled on the system for dnf users.
- sudo yum repolist – Lists the repositories enabled on the system for yum users.
Conclusion
In this guide, we have shown you how to install the EPEL repository on RHEL, CentOS, and other compatible Linux distributions. By adding the EPEL repository, you can access a wide range of additional software packages, which can be beneficial for various tasks and requirements. The EPEL repository is maintained by the Fedora Project community and adheres to their guidelines and principles, ensuring that the packages you install are of high quality and compatible with your RHEL-based distribution.
Now that you have installed the EPEL repository, you can start exploring the available packages and install those that are necessary for your specific use case. With the EPEL repository enabled, you have expanded your options for software packages, making your Linux distribution more versatile and powerful.
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