How to Add Additional Repositories on AlmaLinux

AlmaLinux is a popular open-source Linux distribution designed to fill the gap left by CentOS after its shift to CentOS Stream. Its robust, enterprise-grade stability makes it a favorite for servers and production environments. However, the base repositories may not include every software package or the latest versions of specific applications you need.

To address this, AlmaLinux allows you to add additional repositories, which can provide access to a broader range of software. This article walks you through the steps to add, configure, and manage repositories on AlmaLinux.

What Are Repositories in Linux?

Repositories are storage locations where software packages are stored and managed. AlmaLinux uses the YUM and DNF package managers to interact with these repositories, enabling users to search, install, update, and manage software effortlessly.

There are three main types of repositories:

1. Base Repositories: Officially provided by AlmaLinux, containing the core packages.
2. Third-Party Repositories: Maintained by external communities or organizations, offering specialized software.
3. Custom Repositories: Created by users or organizations to host proprietary or internally developed packages.

Adding additional repositories can be helpful for:

• Accessing newer versions of software.
• Installing applications not available in the base repositories.
• Accessing third-party or proprietary tools.

Preparation Before Adding Repositories

Before diving into repository management, take these preparatory steps:

1. Ensure System Updates

Update your system to minimize compatibility issues:

sudo dnf update -y  

2. Verify AlmaLinux Version

Check your AlmaLinux version to ensure compatibility with repository configurations:

cat /etc/os-release  

3. Install Essential Tools

Ensure you have tools like dnf-plugins-core installed:

sudo dnf install dnf-plugins-core -y  

Adding Additional Repositories on AlmaLinux

1. Enabling Official Repositories

AlmaLinux comes with built-in repositories that may be disabled by default. You can enable them using the following command:

sudo dnf config-manager --set-enabled <repository-name>  

For example, to enable the PowerTools repository:

sudo dnf config-manager --set-enabled powertools  

To verify if the repository is enabled:

sudo dnf repolist enabled  

2. Adding EPEL Repository

The Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux (EPEL) repository provides additional software packages for AlmaLinux. To add EPEL:

sudo dnf install epel-release -y  

Verify the addition:

sudo dnf repolist  

You can now install software from the EPEL repository.

3. Adding RPM Fusion Repository

For multimedia and non-free packages, RPM Fusion is a popular choice.

Add the free repository

sudo dnf install https://download1.rpmfusion.org/free/el/rpmfusion-free-release-$(rpm -E %rhel).noarch.rpm  

Add the non-free repository

sudo dnf install https://download1.rpmfusion.org/nonfree/el/rpmfusion-nonfree-release-$(rpm -E %rhel).noarch.rpm  

After installation, confirm that RPM Fusion is added:

sudo dnf repolist  

4. Adding a Custom Repository

You can create a custom .repo file to add a repository manually.

1. Create a .repo file in /etc/yum.repos.d/:

sudo nano /etc/yum.repos.d/custom.repo  

2. Add the repository details:
   For example:

[custom-repo]  
name=Custom Repository  
baseurl=http://example.com/repo/  
enabled=1  
gpgcheck=1  
gpgkey=http://example.com/repo/RPM-GPG-KEY  

3. Save the file and update the repository list:

sudo dnf makecache  

4. Test the repository:
   Install a package from the custom repository:

sudo dnf install <package-name>  

5. Adding Third-Party Repositories

Third-party repositories, like Remi or MySQL repositories, often provide newer versions of popular software.

Add the Remi repository

1. Install the repository:

sudo dnf install https://rpms.remirepo.net/enterprise/remi-release-$(rpm -E %rhel).rpm  

2. Enable a specific repository branch (e.g., PHP 8.2):

sudo dnf module enable php:remi-8.2  

3. Install the package:

sudo dnf install php  

Managing Repositories

1. Listing Repositories

View all enabled repositories:

sudo dnf repolist enabled  

View all repositories (enabled and disabled):

sudo dnf repolist all  

2. Enabling/Disabling Repositories

Enable a repository:

sudo dnf config-manager --set-enabled <repository-name>  

Disable a repository:

sudo dnf config-manager --set-disabled <repository-name>  

3. Removing a Repository

To remove a repository, delete its .repo file:

sudo rm /etc/yum.repos.d/<repository-name>.repo  

Clear the cache afterward:

sudo dnf clean all  

Best Practices for Repository Management

1. Use Trusted Sources: Only add repositories from reliable sources to avoid security risks.
2. Verify GPG Keys: Always validate GPG keys to ensure the integrity of packages.
3. Avoid Repository Conflicts: Multiple repositories providing the same packages can cause conflicts. Use priority settings if necessary.
4. Regular Updates: Keep your repositories updated to avoid compatibility issues.
5. Backup Configurations: Backup .repo files before making changes.

Conclusion

Adding additional repositories in AlmaLinux unlocks a wealth of software and ensures you can tailor your system to meet specific needs. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily add, manage, and maintain repositories while adhering to best practices for system stability and security.

Whether you’re installing packages from trusted third-party sources like EPEL and RPM Fusion or setting up custom repositories for internal use, AlmaLinux provides the flexibility you need to enhance your system.

Explore the potential of AlmaLinux by integrating the right repositories into your setup today!

Do you have a favorite repository or experience with adding repositories on AlmaLinux? Share your thoughts in the comments below!