dnf (Dandified YUM) is the package manager for AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, and other RHEL-family distributions — the equivalent of apt on Ubuntu/Debian. This guide covers the essential commands.
Updating the System
sudo dnf update -yUnlike apt's separate update/upgrade steps, dnf's update command refreshes metadata and installs updates together.
Installing a Package
sudo dnf install nginx -yInstalling Multiple Packages
sudo dnf install nginx mariadb-server php -yRemoving a Package
sudo dnf remove nginxSearching for a Package
dnf search nginxGetting Information About a Package
dnf info nginxListing Installed Packages
dnf list installedChecking for Available Updates
dnf check-updateRemoving Unused Dependencies
sudo dnf autoremoveCleaning the Package Cache
sudo dnf clean allEnabling Extra Repositories (EPEL)
Many useful packages aren't in the default repositories — the EPEL (Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux) repository fills this gap:
sudo dnf install epel-release -y
sudo dnf update -yAdding a Third-Party Repository
sudo dnf config-manager --add-repo https://example.com/repo.repoListing Enabled Repositories
dnf repolistInstalling a Specific Package Version
sudo dnf install nginx-1.24.0 -yDowngrading a Package
sudo dnf downgrade nginxViewing Package Groups
dnf group listPackage groups bundle related software (e.g. "Development Tools") for convenient installation:
sudo dnf group install "Development Tools" -yChecking Which Package Provides a Specific File
dnf provides /usr/bin/nginxViewing Transaction History
sudo dnf historyUndo a specific transaction:
sudo dnf history undo LASTAutomatic Security Updates
sudo dnf install dnf-automatic -y
sudo systemctl enable --now dnf-automatic.timerConfigure to apply only security updates:
sudo nano /etc/dnf/automatic.confupgrade_type = security
apply_updates = yesQuick Reference: apt vs dnf
| Task | apt (Ubuntu/Debian) | dnf (AlmaLinux/Rocky) |
|---|---|---|
| Update system | apt update && apt upgrade | dnf update |
| Install | apt install PKG | dnf install PKG |
| Remove | apt remove PKG | dnf remove PKG |
| Search | apt search PKG | dnf search PKG |
| Clean cache | apt clean | dnf clean all |
Common Errors
"No match for argument" when installing — the package may be in a repository not yet enabled; try enabling EPEL first.
Dependency conflicts:
sudo dnf install PACKAGE --allowerasingContinue Reading
- How to Get Started with AlmaLinux/Rocky Linux on a VPS
- How to Install Nginx on AlmaLinux/Rocky Linux
- Understanding SELinux Basics on AlmaLinux/Rocky Linux
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