How to install and use DNF in RPM Based Distributions
How to install and use DNF in RPM Based Distributions
DNF - software manager to install, update and remove packages in RPM based distributions. It computes the dependencies and install the required packages automatically. In this article we are going to discuss about DNF, the Next Generation Package Management Utility.
Limitations of Yum
- Dependency resolution of YUM was resolved in DNF.
- Less automatic synchronisation of metadata and Lower memory reduction.
- No support for extensions other than Python.
- YUM don' t have a documented API.
- Building new characteristic are difficult.
To Test DNF Commands
Before installing dnf on centOS, you need to setup the EPEL repo.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# yum install epel-release -y
Loaded plugins: fastestmirror, langpacks
Loading mirror speeds from cached hostfile
* base: centos.excellmedia.net
* extras: centos-hcm.viettelidc.com.vn
* updates: centos-hcm.viettelidc.com.vn
Resolving Dependencies
--> Running transaction check
---> Package epel-release.noarch 0:7-6 will be installed
--> Finished Dependency Resolution
.
.
Installed:
epel-release.noarch 0:7-6
Complete!
Now install dnf by running the following command.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# yum install dnf -y
Loaded plugins: fastestmirror, langpacks
Loading mirror speeds from cached hostfile
* base: centos.excellmedia.net
* epel: epel.mirror.net.in
* extras: centos-hcm.viettelidc.com.vn
* updates: centos-hcm.viettelidc.com.vn
Resolving Dependencies
--> Running transaction check
---> Package dnf.noarch 0:0.6.4-2.el7 will be installed
--> Finished Dependency Resolution
.
.
Installed:
dnf.noarch 0:0.6.4-2.el7
Complete!
To install a Package
After installing dnf, if you try to install any package using dnf command, it restricts. To overcome that issue, remove the epel-repo using yum command.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# yum remove epel-release -y
Loaded plugins: fastestmirror, langpacks
Resolving Dependencies
--> Running transaction check
---> Package epel-release.noarch 0:7-6 will be erased
--> Finished Dependency Resolution
Dependencies Resolved
.
.
Removed:
epel-release.noarch 0:7-6
Complete!
And then install the libsolv-0.6.11-1.el7 package from the base repository.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# yum --showduplicates --disablerepo=base list libsolv
Loaded plugins: fastestmirror, langpacks
Loading mirror speeds from cached hostfile
* epel: epel.mirror.net.in
* extras: centos-hcm.viettelidc.com.vn
* updates: centos-hcm.viettelidc.com.vn
Installed Packages
libsolv.x86_64 0.6.11-1.el7 @base
Now you can install the packages using dnf command.
Example command with dnf
1. Check the DNF version
To check the installed dnf version on your system.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf --version
0.6.4
Installed: dnf-0:0.6.4-2.el7.noarch at 2016-06-24 20:24
Built : Fedora Project at 2015-07-07 11:48
Installed: rpm-0:4.11.3-17.el7.x86_64 at 2016-06-24 21:14
Built : CentOS BuildSystem < http://bugs.centos.org> at 2015-11-20 11:15
2. List Enabled DNF Repositories
The option ‘ repolist‘ with dnf command, will display all the enabled repositories in your system.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf repolist
Using metadata from Sat Jun 25 02:03:21 2016
repo id repo name status
base CentOS-7 - Base 9,007
extras CentOS-7 - Extras 310
mariadb MariaDB 14
updates CentOS-7 - Updates 1,974
zabbix Zabbix Official Repository - x86_64 53
zabbix-non-supported Zabbix Official Repository non-supported - x86_64 4
3. List both Enabled and Disabled DNF Repositories
The option ‘ repolist all‘ will print both enabled and disabled repositories in your system.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf repolist all
Using metadata from Sat Jun 25 02:03:21 2016
repo id repo name status
C7.0.1406-base CentOS-7.0.1406 - Base disabled
C7.0.1406-centosplus CentOS-7.0.1406 - CentOSPlus disabled
C7.0.1406-extras CentOS-7.0.1406 - Extras disabled
C7.0.1406-fasttrack CentOS-7.0.1406 - CentOSPlus disabled
C7.0.1406-updates CentOS-7.0.1406 - Updates disabled
C7.1.1503-base CentOS-7.1.1503 - Base disabled
C7.1.1503-centosplus CentOS-7.1.1503 - CentOSPlus disabled
C7.1.1503-extras CentOS-7.1.1503 - Extras disabled
C7.1.1503-fasttrack CentOS-7.1.1503 - CentOSPlus disabled
C7.1.1503-updates CentOS-7.1.1503 - Updates disabled
base CentOS-7 - Base enabled: 9,007
base-debuginfo CentOS-7 - Debuginfo disabled
base-source CentOS-7 - Base Sources disabled
c7-media CentOS-7 - Media disabled
centosplus CentOS-7 - Plus disabled
centosplus-source CentOS-7 - Plus Sources disabled
cr CentOS-7 - cr disabled
extras CentOS-7 - Extras enabled: 310
extras-source CentOS-7 - Extras Sources disabled
fasttrack CentOS-7 - fasttrack disabled
mariadb MariaDB enabled: 14
updates CentOS-7 - Updates enabled: 1,974
updates-source CentOS-7 - Updates Sources disabled
zabbix Zabbix Official Repository - x86_64 enabled: 53
zabbix-non-supported Zabbix Official Repository non-supported - x86_64 enabled: 4
4. List all Available and Installed Packages using DNF
The command “ dnf list” will list all the available packages from all the repositories and installed packages on your Linux system.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf list
Using metadata from Sat Jun 25 02:03:21 2016
Installed Packages
GConf2.x86_64 3.2.6-8.el7 @System
MariaDB-client.x86_64 10.1.14-1.el7.centos @System
MariaDB-common.x86_64 10.1.14-1.el7.centos @System
MariaDB-devel.x86_64 10.1.14-1.el7.centos @System
MariaDB-server.x86_64 10.1.14-1.el7.centos @System
MariaDB-shared.x86_64 10.1.14-1.el7.centos @System
ModemManager.x86_64 1.1.0-8.git20130913.el7 @System
ModemManager-glib.x86_64 1.1.0-8.git20130913.el7 @System
NetworkManager.x86_64 1:1.0.6-30.el7_2 @System
NetworkManager-glib.x86_64 1:1.0.6-30.el7_2 @System
NetworkManager-libnm.x86_64 1:1.0.6-30.el7_2 @System
NetworkManager-libreswan.x86_64 1.0.6-3.el7 @System
NetworkManager-team.x86_64 1:1.0.6-30.el7_2 @System
.
.
.
zziplib-devel.i686 0.13.62-5.el7 base
zziplib-devel.x86_64 0.13.62-5.el7 base
zziplib-utils.x86_64 0.13.62-5.el7 base
5. List all Installed Packages using DNF
The “ dnf list” command shows all the available/installed packages from all the repositories. However, you have the option to list only the installed packages using option “ list installed” .
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf list installed
Zabbix Official Repository non-supported - x86_64 2.7 kB/s | 2.3 kB 00:00
Zabbix Official Repository - x86_64 37 kB/s | 32 kB 00:00
CentOS-7 - Base 568 kB/s | 8.8 MB 00:15
CentOS-7 - Updates 622 kB/s | 7.4 MB 00:12
MariaDB 57 kB/s | 91 kB 00:01
CentOS-7 - Extras 592 kB/s | 467 kB 00:00
Using metadata from Sun Jun 26 07:39:29 2016
Installed Packages
GConf2.x86_64 3.2.6-8.el7 @System
MariaDB-client.x86_64 10.1.14-1.el7.centos @System
MariaDB-common.x86_64 10.1.14-1.el7.centos @System
.
.
zenity.x86_64 3.8.0-4.el7 @System
zip.x86_64 3.0-10.el7 @System
zlib.x86_64 1.2.7-13.el7 @System
6. List all Available Packages using DNF
Similarly, the “ list available” option will list all the packages available to be installed from all the enabled repositories
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf list available
Using metadata from Sun Jun 26 07:39:29 2016
Available Packages
389-ds-base.x86_64 1.3.4.0-32.el7_2 updates
389-ds-base-devel.x86_64 1.3.4.0-32.el7_2 updates
389-ds-base-libs.x86_64 1.3.4.0-32.el7_2 updates
Cython.x86_64 0.19-3.el7 base
ElectricFence.i686 2.2.2-39.el7 base
ElectricFence.x86_64 2.2.2-39.el7 base
GConf2.i686 3.2.6-8.el7 base
GConf2-devel.i686 3.2.6-8.el7 base
GConf2-devel.x86_64 3.2.6-8.el7 base
GeoIP.i686 1.5.0-9.el7 base
GeoIP.x86_64 1.5.0-9.el7 base
GeoIP-devel.i686 1.5.0-9.el7 base
GeoIP-devel.x86_64 1.5.0-9.el7 base
.
.
zziplib-devel.x86_64 0.13.62-5.el7 base
zziplib-utils.x86_64 0.13.62-5.el7 base
7. Search for a Package using DNF
Incase, you’ ve no idea about the package that you want to install, use ‘ search‘ option with dnf command to search for the package that matches the word or string
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf search nano
Using metadata from Sun Jun 26 07:39:29 2016
====================================== N/S Matched: nano ======================================
nano.x86_64 : A small text editor
8. A file/sub-package
The dnf option “ provides” find the name of the package that provides specific file/sub-package. For example, if you would like to find what provides ‘ /bin/bash‘ on your system?
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf provides /bin/bash
Using metadata from Sun Jun 26 07:39:29 2016
bash-4.2.45-5.el7.x86_64 : The GNU Bourne Again shell
Repo : @System
bash-4.2.46-19.el7.x86_64 : The GNU Bourne Again shell
Repo : base
9. Get Details of a Package using DNF
Let’ s assume you want to know the information of a package before installing it on the system, you may use “ info” switch to get a detailed information about a package.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf info nano
Using metadata from Sun Jun 26 07:39:29 2016
Installed Packages
Name : nano
Arch : x86_64
Epoch : 0
Version : 2.3.1
Release : 10.el7
Size : 1.6 M
Repo : @System
Summary : A small text editor
URL : http://www.nano-editor.org
License : GPLv3+
Description : GNU nano is a small and friendly text editor.
10. Install a Package with DNF
To install a package called httpd, run the below command it will automatically resolve and install all required dependencies.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf install httpd
Using metadata from Sun Jun 26 07:39:29 2016
Dependencies resolved.
===============================================================================================
Package Arch Version Repository Size
===============================================================================================
Installing:
httpd x86_64 2.4.6-40.el7.centos.1 updates 2.7 M
Transaction Summary
===============================================================================================
Install 1 Package
.
.
Installed:
httpd.x86_64 2.4.6-40.el7.centos.1
Complete!
11.To delete a Package
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf remove httpd
Using metadata from Sun Jun 26 07:39:29 2016
Dependencies resolved.
===============================================================================================
Package Arch Version Repository Size
===============================================================================================
Removing:
httpd x86_64 2.4.6-40.el7.centos.1 @System 9.4 M
Transaction Summary
===============================================================================================
Remove 1 Package
.
.
Removed:
httpd.x86_64 2.4.6-40.el7.centos.1
Complete!
12. Updating a Package using DNF
You may update all the packages and also a specific package by using the ' update' option. Here it will update only the systemd package.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf update systemd
Using metadata from Wed Jun 29 11:09:58 2016
Dependencies resolved.
===============================================================================================
Package Arch Version Repository Size
===============================================================================================
Upgrading:
dracut x86_64 033-360.el7_2.1 updates 311 k
dracut-config-rescue x86_64 033-360.el7_2.1 updates 50 k
dracut-network x86_64 033-360.el7_2.1 updates 90 k
initscripts x86_64 9.49.30-1.el7_2.2 updates 429 k
kmod x86_64 20-5.el7 base 114 k
libgudev1 x86_64 219-19.el7_2.11 updates 66 k
.
.
Upgraded:
dracut.x86_64 033-360.el7_2.1 dracut-config-rescue.x86_64 033-360.el7_2.1
dracut-network.x86_64 033-360.el7_2.1 initscripts.x86_64 9.49.30-1.el7_2.2
kmod.x86_64 20-5.el7 libgudev1.x86_64 219-19.el7_2.11
systemd.x86_64 219-19.el7_2.11 systemd-libs.x86_64 219-19.el7_2.11
systemd-python.x86_64 219-19.el7_2.11 systemd-sysv.x86_64 219-19.el7_2.11
Complete!
13. Check for System Updates using DNF
Check updates for all the system packages installed into the system by running the following command.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf check-update
Using metadata from Wed Jun 29 11:09:58 2016
ModemManager.x86_64 1.1.0-8.git20130913.el7 base
ModemManager-glib.x86_64 1.1.0-8.git20130913.el7 base
NetworkManager.x86_64 1:1.0.6-27.el7 base
NetworkManager.x86_64 1:1.0.6-29.el7_2 updates
NetworkManager.x86_64 1:1.0.6-30.el7_2 updates
NetworkManager-glib.x86_64 1:1.0.6-27.el7 base
NetworkManager-glib.x86_64 1:1.0.6-29.el7_2 updates
NetworkManager-glib.x86_64 1:1.0.6-30.el7_2 updates
.
.
.
linux-firmware.noarch 20150904-43.git6ebf5d5.el7 base
libertas-usb8388-firmware.noarch 2:20140213-0.3.git4164c23.el7 @System
linux-firmware.noarch 20150904-43.git6ebf5d5.el7 base
linux-firmware.noarch 20140213-0.3.git4164c23.el7 @System
totem.x86_64 1:3.14.3-5.el7 base
totem-mozplugin.x86_64 1:3.8.2-5.el7 @System
xorg-x11-server-Xorg.x86_64 1.17.2-10.el7 base
xorg-x11-drv-modesetting.x86_64 0.8.0-13.el7 @System
xorg-x11-server-Xorg.x86_64 1.17.2-10.el7 base
xorg-x11-glamor.x86_64 0.5.1-4.20140115gitfb4d046c.el7 @System
14.To Upgrade the System
To upgrade the whole system execute the below command.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf update
Using metadata from Sun Jun 26 07:39:29 2016
Dependencies resolved.
===============================================================================================
Package Arch Version Repository
Size
===============================================================================================
Installing:
NetworkManager-libnm x86_64 1:1.0.6-30.el7_2 updates 498 k
NetworkManager-team x86_64 1:1.0.6-30.el7_2 updates 132 k
replacing NetworkManager.x86_64 1:0.9.9.1-13.git20140326.4dba720.el7
NetworkManager-wifi x86_64 1:1.0.6-30.el7_2 updates 160 k
replacing NetworkManager.x86_64 1:0.9.9.1-13.git20140326.4dba720.el7
abrt-retrace-client x86_64 2.1.11-36.el7.centos base 119 k
adwaita-icon-theme noarch 3.14.1-1.el7 base 11 M
anaconda-core x86_64 21.48.22.56-5.el7.centos.1 updates 1.5 M
anaconda-gui x86_64 21.48.22.56-5.el7.centos.1 updates 446 k
anaconda-tui x86_64 21.48.22.56-5.el7.centos.1 updates 237 k
boost-iostreams x86_64 1.53.0-25.el7 base 60 k
boost-thread x86_64 1.53.0-25.el7 base 57 k
check x86_64 0.9.9-5.el7 base 102 k
compat-libcogl-pango12 x86_64 1.14.0-3.el7 base 27 k
compat-libcogl12 x86_64 1.14.0-3.el7 base 282 k
.
.
Complete!
The default location of dnf configuration file is /etc/dnf/dnf.conf
15.To view History of DNF
To view the dnf history i.e., already executed dnf commands, type history with dnf and execute it.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf history
Using metadata from Sun Jun 26 07:39:29 2016
ID | Command line | Date a | Action | Altere
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 | update | 2016-06-26 07:58 | I, O, U | 921 EE
3 | remove httpd | 2016-06-26 07:52 | Erase | 1
2 | install httpd | 2016-06-26 07:50 | Install | 1
1 | remove httpd | 2016-06-26 07:49 | Erase | 4 EE
16. To list all Group Packages
The command “ dnf grouplist” will print all available or installed packages, if nothing is mentioned, it will list all known groups.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf grouplist
Using metadata from Wed Jun 29 11:09:58 2016
Available environment groups:
Minimal Install
Compute Node
Infrastructure Server
File and Print Server
Basic Web Server
Virtualization Host
Server with GUI
GNOME Desktop
KDE Plasma Workspaces
Development and Creative Workstation
Available groups:
Compatibility Libraries
Console Internet Tools
Development Tools
Graphical Administration Tools
Legacy UNIX Compatibility
Scientific Support
Security Tools
Smart Card Support
System Administration Tools
System Management
17. Install a Group Package using DNF
To install a Group of packages use ' groupinstall' option.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf groupinstall ' System Administration Tools' Using metadata from Tue Jun 28 16:01:50 2016 Dependencies resolved. =============================================================================================== Group Packages =============================================================================================== Marking installed: System Administration Tools symlinks rrdtool pexpect mc dump xdelta screen tree snapper mgetty hardlink expect conman crypto-utils scrub rdist system-storage-manager rear lsscsi Is this ok [y/N]: y Complete!
18. Update a Group Package
To update a Group Package execute the below command.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf groupupdate ' System Management' Using metadata from Tue Jun 28 16:01:50 2016 Dependencies resolved. =============================================================================================== Group Packages =============================================================================================== Marking installed: System Management freeipmi-ipmidetectd ipmitool fence-agents-all freeipmi freeipmi-bmc-watchdog watchdog OpenIPMI openhpi Is this ok [y/N]: y Complete! [root@linuxhelp ~]#
19. Remove a Group Package
To remove the group Package use ' groupremove' option.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf groupremove ' System Management' Using metadata from Tue Jun 28 16:01:50 2016 Dependencies resolved. =============================================================================================== Group Packages =============================================================================================== Marking removed: System Management freeipmi-ipmidetectd ipmitool fence-agents-all freeipmi freeipmi-bmc-watchdog watchdog OpenIPMI openhpi Is this ok [y/N]: y Complete!
20. Install a Package from Specific Repository
To install specific package called nano from the base repo, run the below command.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf --enablerepo=base install nano Using metadata from Tue Jun 28 16:01:50 2016 Dependencies resolved. =============================================================================================== Package Arch Version Repository Size =============================================================================================== Installing: nano x86_64 2.3.1-10.el7 base 440 k Transaction Summary =============================================================================================== Install 1 Package Total download size: 440 k Installed size: 1.6 M Is this ok [y/N]: y . . . Installed: nano.x86_64 2.3.1-10.el7 Complete!
21.Reinstall a Package
The command “ dnf reinstall” will reinstall an already installed package.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf reinstall nano Using metadata from Tue Jun 28 16:01:50 2016 Dependencies resolved. =============================================================================================== Package Arch Version Repository Size =============================================================================================== Reinstalling: nano x86_64 2.3.1-10.el7 base 440 k Transaction Summary =============================================================================================== Total download size: 440 k Is this ok [y/N]: y . . Reinstalled: nano.x86_64 2.3.1-10.el7 Complete!
22. Downgrade a Package
The option “ downgrade” will downgrades the package to its lower version.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# firefox -v Mozilla Firefox 45.2.0 [root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf downgrade firefox Using metadata from Tue Jun 28 16:01:50 2016 Dependencies resolved. =============================================================================================== Package Arch Version Repository Size =============================================================================================== Downgrading: firefox x86_64 45.1.1-1.el7.centos updates 76 M Transaction Summary =============================================================================================== Downgrade 1 Package Total download size: 76 M Is this ok [y/N]: y . . Downgraded: firefox.x86_64 45.1.1-1.el7.centos Complete!
23. upgrade a package
The option “ upgrade” will upgrades the mentioned package to higher version.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf upgrade firefox Using metadata from Tue Jun 28 16:01:50 2016 Dependencies resolved. =============================================================================================== Package Arch Version Repository Size =============================================================================================== upgrading: firefox x86_64 45.2.0-1.el7.centos updates 76 M Transaction Summary =============================================================================================== Downgrade 1 Package Total download size: 76 M Is this ok [y/N]: y . . Upgraded: firefox.x86_64 45.2.0-1.el7.centos Complete!
24. Auto Remove Command
Removes all “ leaf” packages from the system that were originally installed as dependencies of user-installed packages but which are no longer required by any such package.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf autoremove Using metadata from Tue Jun 28 16:01:50 2016 Dependencies resolved. =============================================================================================== Package Arch Version Repository Size =============================================================================================== Removing: kernel x86_64 3.10.0-327.22.2.el7 @System 136 M Transaction Summary =============================================================================================== Remove 1 Package Installed size: 136 M Is this ok [y/N]: y Running transaction check Transaction check succeeded. Running transaction test Transaction test succeeded. Running transaction Erasing : kernel-3.10.0-327.22.2.el7.x86_64 1/1 Verifying : kernel-3.10.0-327.22.2.el7.x86_64 1/1 Removed: kernel.x86_64 3.10.0-327.22.2.el7 Complete!
25. Clean Command
It will cleanup the temporary files kept in some other repositories.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf clean all
Cleaning repos: zabbix-non-supported base updates mariadb zabbix extras
Cleaning up Everything
26. Get Help on Specific DNF Command
To get help of any specific dnf command execute the below command.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf help clean
clean [packages|metadata|dbcache|plugins|expire-cache|all]
Remove cached data
27. List all DNF Commands and Options
Run the following command to list help on all available dnf commands.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf help
usage: dnf [options] COMMAND
List of Main Commands
autoremove
check-update Check for available package upgrades
clean Remove cached data
distro-sync Synchronize installed packages to the latest available versions
downgrade downgrade a package
group Display, or use, the groups information
help Display a helpful usage message
history Display, or use, the transaction history
info Display details about a package or group of packages
install Install a package or packages on your system
list List a package or groups of packages
makecache Generate the metadata cache
provides Find what package provides the given value
reinstall reinstall a package
remove Remove a package or packages from your system
repolist Display the configured software repositories
repository-packages Run commands on top of all packages in given repository
search Search package details for the given string
updateinfo Display advisories about packages
upgrade Upgrade a package or packages on your system
upgrade-to Upgrade a package on your system to the specified version
28. Distro-sync command
The command “ dnf distro-sync” will provide the necessary options to synchronize all installed packages with recent stable versions available. If no package is selected, all installed packages are synchronized.
[root@linuxhelp ~]# dnf distro-sync Using metadata from Tue Jun 28 16:01:50 2016 Dependencies resolved. =============================================================================================== Package Arch Version Repository Size =============================================================================================== Installing: kernel x86_64 3.10.0-327.22.2.el7 updates 33 M Transaction Summary =============================================================================================== Install 1 Package Total downloaded size: 33 M Installed size: 136 M Is this ok [y/N]: y . . Installed kernel.x86_64 3.10.0-327.22.2.el7 Complete!
Q
Whether the DNF falls with the same functionality as the yum?
A
Yes. yes almost it falls under same functionality in installing packages.
Q
What is the purpose of using the DNF command in an RPM-based distro?
A
DNF (Dandified Yum) has replaced Yum to become the default software package manager of the Fedora.
Q
How to display the repo list using the DNF command?
A
Execute the command as follows "dnf repolist".
Q
How to search the package using the DNF command?
A
Please run the following command as "dnf search 'package name' "
Q
Whether its possible to check it out the version of DNF?
A
Yes, you can check the version of DNF by "dnf --version"