1. Introduction
For Ubuntu users, the package management system plays a critical role. While APT is commonly used as the package management system in Ubuntu, some users may want to use YUM, which is commonly found in Red Hat-based systems such as CentOS and RHEL. This article explains why and how to install YUM on Ubuntu, along with a detailed comparison of APT as an alternative to YUM.
Ubuntu is a Debian-based distribution and does not support RPM packages by default. Nevertheless, certain use cases may require the use of RPM packages. In this article, you will learn the differences between YUM and APT and how to properly use YUM on Ubuntu.
2. Differences Between Ubuntu and YUM
Ubuntu is a Debian-based distribution that uses APT (Advanced Package Tool) as its standard package management system. On the other hand, YUM (Yellowdog Updater, Modified) is a package management tool used in Red Hat-based distributions like CentOS and RHEL.
Differences Between APT and YUM
- APT (Advanced Package Tool)
APT is primarily used in Ubuntu and Debian and supports the installation, update, and removal of packages through commands such asapt-getandapt. Since APT handles DEB packages, it simplifies managing packages available in Ubuntu and Debian repositories. - YUM (Yellowdog Updater, Modified)
YUM is used in Red Hat-based distributions to install and update RPM packages. It is an RPM-based package management tool used in systems like Red Hat Enterprise Linux and CentOS.
Why Use YUM on Ubuntu?
Users who have migrated from Red Hat-based environments may already be familiar with YUM, or they may need to install specific RPM packages. However, for most Ubuntu environments, using APT is generally recommended.
3. Reasons to Install YUM on Ubuntu
There are several use cases where using YUM on Ubuntu becomes necessary. In particular, when RPM packages are required or when organizations operate a hybrid environment containing both Red Hat-based systems and Ubuntu, installing YUM can be beneficial.
When You Need to Handle RPM Packages
Although Ubuntu typically uses DEB packages, some software is available only in RPM format. In such cases, using YUM allows users to manage and install RPM-based software on Ubuntu systems.
Using YUM in Hybrid Environments
Companies that use Red Hat-based distributions often deploy Ubuntu alongside them. In such situations, using the same package management tool—YUM—across both systems can simplify administrative tasks and streamline management.
4. How to Install YUM
Installing YUM on Ubuntu is relatively straightforward. Below are the steps to complete the installation.
How to Install YUM
First, use the following commands to install YUM:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install yumYUM is an RPM package management tool, so it is also helpful to install the rpm command:
sudo apt-get install rpmThis prepares your Ubuntu system to manage RPM packages.
5. Alternative to YUM: Using APT
APT is the standard package management tool for Ubuntu. In most cases, package management tasks can be performed entirely with APT. Here, we introduce how to use APT as an alternative to YUM.
Basic APT Commands
Managing packages in Ubuntu is usually done with APT using commands like the following:
- Install a package:
sudo apt install <package-name>- Update packages:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade- Remove a package:
sudo apt remove <package-name>APT is a highly capable tool that automatically resolves dependencies, making it a preferable option for most Ubuntu users.
6. Real Use Cases: When YUM Becomes Necessary
YUM may be required on Ubuntu when installing specific RPM packages. This is especially true when using software designed to work in Red Hat-based corporate environments.
Use Case 1: Installing RPM Packages
When installing RPM packages in Ubuntu, YUM can be helpful. For example, if a piece of software is provided only as an RPM package, you can install it using YUM.
sudo yum install <package-name>.rpmUse Case 2: Hybrid Environment Management
In environments where both Ubuntu and CentOS are deployed, using YUM allows administrators to manage packages with the same commands across systems, improving efficiency and consistency.
7. Troubleshooting and FAQ
Some issues may arise when installing YUM on Ubuntu. Below are common problems and their solutions.
Error 1: Dependency Conflicts
Dependency issues may occur during YUM installation. In such cases, resolve missing libraries or packages manually using APT.
sudo apt-get install <library-name>Error 2: Package Not Found
If a package cannot be found when using YUM, verify that the repository settings are correct. Ensure that the appropriate YUM repositories for Ubuntu are configured and add new repositories if required.
8. Conclusion and Future Outlook
This article explained how and why to use YUM on Ubuntu. Although YUM is traditionally used on Red Hat-based systems, it remains useful in specific cases on Ubuntu. However, APT is the standard package management tool in Ubuntu and is the most efficient choice for most users.
In the future, as more packages become available in APT repositories, the need for YUM may continue to decline. For now, however, YUM still holds practical value for specialized purposes.
