rpm-ostree Overview¶
Attention
Layering packages irresponsibly can be destructive and may prevent updates as well as other issues until the layered packages are uninstalled.
Install Fedora Linux packages by installing them with rpm-ostree.
- This is known as "layering packages" to the image.
- Layering packages will require a system reboot when it finishes creating the new deployment with the package(s) added to your image.
- Use this method as a last resort and for anything at a "system-level" only.
Common rpm-ostree Terminal Commands:¶
rpm-ostree install <package>
Installs Fedora package(s) to the system that stay between updates, reboot to apply the installation.
rpm-ostree uninstall <package>
Uninstalls any layered packages added to the system, reboot to apply the uninstallation.
rpm-ostree search <package>
Searches for Fedora packages that can be installed.
Installing RPM files¶
Fedora Distrobox containers should be used for most .rpm files, but sometimes they need to be installed to your host.
You can install RPM binaries to your host with rpm-ostree by entering:
rpm-ostree install <package>.rpm
You may need to copy the full path (/path/to/rpmfile.rpm) for it to install properly.
Important
The downside of installing local RPM files outside of the Fedora repositories is updates for the specific RPM package will not apply automatically.
How do I add/remove COPR repositories?¶
Warning
It is highly advised to not use third-party COPR repos if possible, so be aware there are risks associated with it including broken updates until removed.
sudo dnf5 copr enable <USER>/<PROJECT>
This method works with COPR other than Fedora's (ex.: Docker)
sudo dnf5 config-manager addrepo --from-repofile=https://url/to/file.repo
-
Download the .repo file and save it to
/etc/yum.repos.d/ -
Then install the package(s) with
rpm-ostree -
Reboot
If you experience issues updating your system due to GPG signature issues, then this can be fixed by either removing the COPR repository, or editing the file by changing gpgcheck=1 to gpgcheck=0 (or similar) and saving it at your own risk.
Ensure to remove any package installed with the COPR beforehand
sudo dnf5 copr disable <USER>/<PROJECT>
Remove the .repo at /etc/yum.repos.d/
Remove the .repo at /etc/yum.repos.d/
How to restore default COPRs¶
# Remove all current repos
sudo rm /etc/yum.repos.d/*
# Now copy the default repo files fro /usr/etc to /etc
sudo cp /usr/etc/yum.repos.d/* /etc/yum.repos.d/
MAJOR caveats using rpm-ostree¶
Layering packages can cause severe consequences including:
- Pause system updates until package(s) are uninstalled.
- Prevent rebasing to different images until package(s) are uninstalled.
- Conflict with existing packages as part of the image leading to dependency issues.
- Updates taking longer to download as you layer more packages to your system.
Layering packages are mostly intended for system-level applications, libraries, and other dependencies. It is recommended to use Flatpak, Homebrew, Distrobox containers, AppImage, etc. before installing software with rpm-ostree. Typical users should not be using rpm-ostree to install end-user graphical applications at all to avoid problems in the future. It is highly recommended to only layer packages when absolutely necessary especially if the application can be obtained through other methods.
How to remove ALL layered packages¶
If you run into issues upgrading due to a layered package conflict, then either optionally uninstall the conflicted package(s) or remove all layered packages with this command:
rpm-ostree reset
Image Information¶
See information about image build date, update channel, layered packages, etc. by entering this command in a host terminal:
rpm-ostree status
Additional Commmands¶
Warning
Certain rpm-ostree and ostree commands can permanently remove deployments and cause other destructive behavior, so enter them at your own risk.
View the full range of rpm-ostree and ostree commands with the following two commands:
rpm-ostree help
ostree help
Project Website¶
https://coreos.github.io/rpm-ostree/