EPEL (Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux) is a repository of high-quality add-on packages for Linux distributions, such as CentOS Stream, maintained by the Fedora Project. This repository provides a wide range of additional software packages not included in standard CentOS repositories, significantly enhancing system functionality and usability. For more advanced users, EPEL Next is a companion repository offering newer versions of packages to ensure compatibility with the latest updates and features in CentOS Stream.
This guide provides detailed instructions on how to enable EPEL repositories on CentOS Stream 9 and 10, ensuring seamless access to a broader software library.
Update CentOS Stream Before Installation
Before proceeding with the installation of EPEL and EPEL Next, ensure that your system is fully updated to avoid conflicts and guarantee compatibility.
Use the following command to update your system:
sudo dnf upgrade --refreshThis command ensures all current packages are brought up to date, preparing your system for the repository setup process.
Install EPEL and EPEL Next on CentOS Stream
Step 1: Enable the CRB Repository
The CRB (Code Ready Builder) repository is required for EPEL. Enable it using the following command:
sudo dnf config-manager --set-enabled crbStep 2: Install EPEL and EPEL Next
Run the command below to install both EPEL and EPEL Next repositories on CentOS Stream 10:
sudo dnf install https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/epel/epel-release-latest-10.noarch.rpmFor CentOS Stream 9, modify the command to replace the 10 with 9:
sudo dnf install \
https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/epel/epel-release-latest-9.noarch.rpm \
https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/epel/epel-next-release-latest-9.noarch.rpm
Users who don’t need or want it can remove EPEL Next by simply deleting the last line in the above command.
Verify EPEL Installation
To confirm that the EPEL repositories are successfully enabled, use the following command:
dnf repolist | grep epel
This command will display a list of enabled repositories, including EPEL and EPEL Next. If the repositories are listed, the installation was successful.
EPEL Repository Commands
Once EPEL is enabled, you can utilize several commands to manage packages from these repositories.
- List All Available Packages:
dnf list available --enablerepo=epel- Search for a Specific Package:
Replace package-name with the name of the package you wish to find:
dnf search package-name --enablerepo=epel- Install a Package:
Replace package-name with the package to install:
dnf install package-name --enablerepo=epel- Check for Updates on Installed EPEL Packages:
dnf check-update --enablerepo=epelRemoving EPEL Repositories
If you need to remove the EPEL repositories, use the following commands:
- Remove EPEL:
sudo dnf remove epel-release- Remove EPEL Next:
sudo dnf remove epel-next-releaseEnd of Life Releases (Important Note)
Older releases of EPEL, such as EPEL 4 and 5, are no longer supported. Due to significant security changes in SSL over the past decade, these releases lack the required TLS 1.2 algorithms for secure communication. The best approach to use these older versions is to mirror their archives on a newer system and configure your older systems to point to that mirror.
The archived EPEL repositories are available at the following URLs:
- EPEL 7: https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/archive/epel/7/
- EPEL 6: https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/archive/epel/6/
- EPEL 5: https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/archive/epel/5/
- EPEL 4: https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/archive/epel/4/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
EPEL provides stable, tested packages, while EPEL Next includes newer versions of packages to align with the latest updates in CentOS Stream.
Older EPEL releases, such as 4 and 5, lack the necessary TLS 1.2 support for modern security protocols. To use these releases, you need to mirror the archives locally on a newer system.
Not necessarily. EPEL Next is only required if you need access to the latest versions of specific packages that aren’t included in the standard EPEL repository.
Yes, EPEL is fully compatible with CentOS Stream 10. However, as of January 7, 2025, CentOS Stream 10 is still a relatively new release, and EPEL Next for CentOS Stream 10 is not yet available. Be sure to check for updates to EPEL Next as it may be introduced in the future. For now, you can use the regular EPEL repository to enhance your CentOS Stream 10 system.
Useful Links
- Official EPEL Documentation:
Fedora EPEL Documentation
(Comprehensive guide to using and understanding EPEL repositories.) - EPEL FAQ:
Fedora EPEL FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions about EPEL repositories, including installation and troubleshooting.) - EPEL Archive for End-of-Life Releases:
- EPEL 7: https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/archive/epel/7/
- EPEL 6: https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/archive/epel/6/
(Archived EPEL repositories for older CentOS releases.)
- LinuxCapable’s DNF5 Command Guide:
Master DNF5 Commands on Fedora
(Step-by-step guide to managing packages effectively using DNF5.)
Conclusion
By enabling EPEL and EPEL Next on CentOS Stream 9 and 10, you unlock a wealth of additional software packages, enhancing the functionality and flexibility of your system. Regular updates to these repositories will ensure continued access to the latest features and security patches. Whether you’re a developer, administrator, or enthusiast, EPEL empowers you to make the most of your CentOS Stream environment.
We’d Love to Hear From You
Have you enabled EPEL on CentOS Stream 9 or 10? Encountered any issues during installation or discovered software that improved your workflow? Share your experiences, questions, or tips in the comments below. Your input could guide and inspire others in the community!