YUM vs. DNF — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Published on November 25, 2024
YUM is a package manager for RPM-based Linux distributions, focusing on automatic updates and dependency management, whereas DNF is its successor, offering better performance, cleaner codebase, and enhanced dependency resolution.
Difference Between YUM and DNF
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
YUM, developed initially for managing packages in Red Hat-based systems, automates the process of installing, updating, and removing packages along with their dependencies. DNF, introduced as a more advanced version, builds upon YUM's capabilities with improvements in speed and resource usage.
DNF employs a more modern resolution algorithm, which enhances its ability to handle complex package dependencies more efficiently than YUM. This results in fewer dependency issues and a more reliable package management experience for users.
One of the key advancements of DNF over YUM is its use of libsolv, an external dependency resolver. This change contributes significantly to DNF's performance improvements, making package operations faster and more predictable.
YUM is widely recognized and still in use for older distributions, while DNF has become the default package manager in Fedora since version 22, symbolizing a shift towards more efficient package management practices in the Linux ecosystem.
DNF also introduces new features such as automatic weekly clean-up of metadata and a more robust plugin system, further distinguishing it from its predecessor and enhancing user experience in package management.
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Comparison Chart
Introduced
Early 2000s
2012
Dependency Resolution
Basic, using internal algorithms
Advanced, using libsolv
Performance
Slower due to older algorithms
Faster, optimized for modern systems
Codebase
Larger, with more legacy code
Cleaner, more modular design
Default in Fedora
Until Fedora 21
From Fedora 22 onwards
Compare with Definitions
YUM
It automatically resolves dependencies for packages.
YUM install nginx installs Nginx and its dependencies.
DNF
It utilizes libsolv for efficient dependency resolution.
DNF deplist package-name shows package dependencies.
YUM
YUM uses repository metadata to manage packages.
YUM repolist displays configured repositories.
DNF
It provides a better plugin interface than YUM.
DNF install dnf-plugins-core for additional commands.
YUM
YUM is a command-line package management utility for RPM-compatible Linux distributions.
YUM update updates installed packages.
DNF
DNF makes system upgrades easier and safer.
DNF system-upgrade download --releasever=33 upgrades Fedora.
YUM
YUM can rollback updates for troubleshooting.
YUM history undo last reverts the last transaction.
DNF
DNF supports automatic cleanup of cache to save disk space.
DNF autoremove removes unneeded packages.
YUM
It supports plugins to extend its functionality.
YUM install yum-plugin-fastestmirror enhances mirror selection.
DNF
DNF is an advanced package manager that replaces YUM, with improved performance and features.
DNF install docker quickly installs Docker.
YUM
Used to express appreciation of or eagerness for a tasty food or beverage.
YUM
Used to express appreciation for something attractive or to express eagerness for a pleasurable experience.
YUM
.
This apple pie is yum!
Common Curiosities
What is YUM?
YUM is a package manager for RPM-based Linux distributions, used to manage packages and their dependencies.
Why was DNF introduced?
DNF was introduced to address performance and dependency resolution issues present in YUM, with a cleaner, more modern codebase.
Can DNF completely replace YUM?
Yes, DNF is designed to completely replace YUM and is the default package manager in recent Fedora distributions.
What makes DNF better than YUM?
DNF offers better performance, a cleaner codebase, and superior dependency resolution capabilities compared to YUM.
Is YUM still in use?
While DNF is becoming the standard, YUM is still in use, particularly in older distributions.
How does DNF improve dependency resolution?
DNF uses libsolv for dependency resolution, which is more efficient than YUM's internal algorithms.
What are some unique features of DNF?
DNF introduces features like automatic metadata cleanup and a robust plugin system.
How does the performance of DNF compare to YUM?
DNF is significantly faster and uses fewer resources than YUM, especially in complex operations.
What is DNF?
DNF is the next-generation version of YUM, offering improved performance and features for managing RPM packages.
Do DNF and YUM use the same repositories?
Yes, both DNF and YUM use RPM repositories, but DNF handles them more efficiently.
Are YUM commands compatible with DNF?
Many YUM commands have direct equivalents in DNF, making the transition easier for users.
Can I use DNF on any RPM-based distribution?
While DNF is primarily used in Fedora, it is available for other RPM-based distributions as well.
How do I switch from YUM to DNF?
In distributions where DNF is the default, no action is needed; for others, it involves installing DNF and adjusting workflows.
What is libsolv and why is it important for DNF?
Libsolv is an external dependency resolution library, crucial for DNF's improved package management capabilities.
What happens to existing YUM plugins when moving to DNF?
Many YUM plugins have equivalents in DNF, but users should check compatibility and availability.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
