dnf Command in Linux: Mastering DNF Package Manager

dnf command in Linux is a powerful and versatile tool to manage software in RPM-based Linux distributions. It is now the default package manager in Red Hat based systems, like RHEL, Fedora, CentOS and Rocky Linux. Starting with Red Hat Enterprise Linux version 8, dnf is the default command to manage software. For compatibility, YUM commands still exist as symbolic links to DNF.

dnf simplifies the process of installing, updating, and removing software packages. In this article, we'll explore dnf, its features, commands, and best practices.

What is dnf

dnf stands for Dandified YUM. It is the next-generation package manager for RPM-based Linux distributions and was designed to replace YUM (Yellowdog Updater Modified). The dnf package manager offers several improvements, including enhanced performance, memory consumption and better dependency resolution.

Why is dnf used?

• Improved performance: dnf is faster and more efficient than its predecessor YUM. It uses many modern dependency resolution algorithms and supports parallel detection.

• Improved communication management: dnf efficiently handles complex chains of dependencies, reducing the chances of conflicts.

• Advanced plugin support: dnf supports a wide range of plugins that extend its functionality, allowing customization according to specific requirements.

• User-friendly: Straightforward command syntax and clear output make dnf easy to use and understand.

What is Package Management in Linux

Package management is an important part of any Linux distribution. It allows users to install, update, install and uninstall software packages in a consistent manner. This is usually done with a package manager, which automates the software management process.

Why Package Management is Important

Package management systems like DNF play an important role in Linux ecosystem. Dependencies are handled and all necessary libraries and packages are installed alongside the software of your choice. This eliminates the need for manual inspection and installation, making the process much more efficient.

List of important dnf command in Linux:

1. Installing Packages

To install a new package:

sudo dnf install package_name

Replace package_name with the package name you want to install. dnf takes care of the download and installation, including any dependencies.

 

2. Updating Packages

To update all installed packages to their latest versions:

sudo dnf update

To update a specific package:

sudo dnf update package_name

3. Removing Packages

To remove an installed package:

sudo dnf remove package_name

This will uninstall the package and remove any unused dependencies that were installed with the package.

4. Searching for Packages

If you're looking for a package but don't know the exact name, you can find it with below command:

sudo dnf search package_name

Replace package_name with keywords related to the package you are searching for.

 

5. Getting Package Information

To get detailed information about a specific package, including its version, description, and dependencies:

sudo dnf info package_name

6. List Available Packages

To list all available packages:

sudo dnf list available

7. List installed packages

sudo dnf list installed

8. Check dnf version installed on the system

sudo dnf --version

9. Getting help with dnf

sudo dnf help

Managing Repositories with dnf

1. Listing Repositories

To see a list of all enabled repositories:


sudo dnf repolist

 

2. Adding Repositories

Repositories can be added by creating a new .repo file in ‘/etc/yum.repos.d/’ directory, or by using the dnf config-manager command:

sudo dnf config-manager --add-repo repository_url

Replace repository_url with the repository URL you want to add.

 

3. Enabling Repositories

To enable a particular software repository

dnf config-manager --set-enabled repository

4. Disabling Repositories

To disable a particular software repository

dnf config-manager --set-disable repository

Advanced Features

1. Transaction History

dnf keeps history for all the transactions. This allow an administrator to review past operations:

dnf history

To undo a transaction:

sudo dnf history undo transaction_id

2. Module Management

Distributions that support module streams, dnf can handle them. You can list the available modules:

dnf module list

 

To enable a module:

sudo dnf module enable module_name

To disable a module:

sudo dnf module disable module_name

Troubleshooting

Below are few troubleshooting tips:

 
Clear Cache: For any cache related errors, clearing the cache can resolve the issues:

sudo dnf clean all

 
Check for Broken Dependencies: To ensure all dependencies are in order, use check-update command:

sudo dnf check-update

Conclusion

dnf is a powerful and user-friendly package manager that brings modern upgrades to RPM-based Linux distributions. Its intuitive commands and advanced features make it an essential tool for system administrators and Linux enthusiasts. Whether you are installing new software, upgrading your system, or managing repositories, dnf provides a powerful and efficient way to meet your package management needs.