DEB vs. RPM: 5 Key Differences, Pros & Cons, Similarities (2024)

DEB vs. RPM: both are the files used by the package manager on Linux operating systems. Both of these file packages are used to install different applications and programs. But if we talk about DEB vs. RPM difference, they are different in subtle details.

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Let’s take a closer look at DEB versus RPM

Developed ByDEB was developed by Debian, while RPM by Community and Red Hat
Used ForBoth of these packages are used to install applications and programs
FilesDEB uses ‘control’ files while RPM’s spec’ files to define installable software
ConversionBoth packages can convert into each other through an alien command line

Table of Contents

What is DEB?

DEB vs. RPM: 5 Key Differences, Pros & Cons, Similarities (1)

DEB file is a software package used by the Linux distributions based on Debian’s like Linux mint, Deepin, Kali, and many more. The DEB files are mostly used to install or update the UNIX applications. This file contains two more files, one for the installable data and the other for installer control information.

What is RPM?

DEB vs. RPM: 5 Key Differences, Pros & Cons, Similarities (2)

RPM was developed by the community & Red Hat. It is a file format that the package manager uses to install new software on the computer. A package management tool always comes with the Red HAT-based system, which is used to install the RPM packages. Clear OS, Cent OS, Alma Linux, and Rocky Linux are some RPM examples.

5 Key Differences Between DEB and RPM

ComponentsDEBRPM
DefinitionDEB is an extension or a format of the software package for the Linux distribution DebianRPM means the Red Hat Package Manager. The Red Hat Package Manager uses this file format.
DistributionLinux distribution which is based on Debian can only install DEB filesThe distribution based on Red HAT only installs the RPM packages.
PatchesThe Debian project community accepts the patches in DEB filesThe Red HAT project community does not accept patches in their ROM files
Depends uponDEB files depend upon the ‘control file’ for defining the software which is necessary to be installed for the proper functioning of the target applicationRPM files depend upon the ‘spec files’ for the information about the smaller application needed to be installed for proper functioning.
InstallationDEB packages are installed in the background mostly, with the help of tools like graphical equivalent or apt.A New RPM package can be installed with the help of the RPM package manager tool, which comes with a Red HAT-based system.
ExamplesKali, Parrot OS, Deepin, Linux Mint, UbuntuClear OS, Cent OS, Alma Linux, and Rocky Linux

Is Linux RPM or Deb?

There are many ways to determine whether your Linux distribution is using RPM or DEB packages. Run the command user name –r to check your system’s distribution. If it is a Debian-based Linux distribution, then RPM packages can be used to install the needed software. And if it is using the Red HAT system, then the DEB package can be used.

Is Ubuntu DEB or RPM?

Ubuntu Linux can use DEB or RPM file format depending on the distribution. DEB files are the standard for programs and applications in Linux and are also widely used on Ubuntu. Free programs like apt-get can also be used to install the DEB files on the system.

DEB vs. RPM Similarities

  • Whether it is DEB or RPM, both packages can be converted into each other with the help of an alien command line.
  • Both are software packages used to install new programs or applications in the system.

DEB vs. RPM Pros and Cons

DEB Pros and Cons

DEB vs. RPM: 5 Key Differences, Pros & Cons, Similarities (3)

Pros of DEB

  • DEB is tested thoroughly, and its testing is stable as many other distributions.
  • DEB is old software and has a mature community. That’s why many good developers are still using it.

Cons of DEB

  • It is not considered user-friendly software because it is for developers and admins. A new user will feel lost while using it.
  • You have to go through a long way to get new software updates. So, you can not get new features as soon as other distributions do.

RPM Pros and Cons

DEB vs. RPM: 5 Key Differences, Pros & Cons, Similarities (4)

Pros of RPM

  • RPM can provide straightforward program installation and uninstallation and also provide automatic installation.
  • This allows the system administrator and user to install, uninstall and update system software packages in the Linux operating system.

Cons of RPM

  • RPM always has the problem with one functionality.
  • There is not any automatic dependency handling present within RPM.

Comparison Chart

DEB vs. RPM: 5 Key Differences, Pros & Cons, Similarities (5)

Comparison Video

Conclusion

DEB and RPM are both archive files with some attached metadata. They both have hardcoded install paths and are also equally arcane. But if we talk about RPM vs. DEB, both are different in many ways. The main difference between RPM and DEB is that RPM is only for the distribution based on Red HAT, while DEB can only be used on Debian-based distribution.

Tags: DEBFAQRPM

Alex Stantor

Author & Researcher @ Difference 101Master in Philosophy & Data Analysis, Sorbonne Université (Graduated 2011)Lived in New York City

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      DEB vs. RPM: 5 Key Differences, Pros & Cons, Similarities (2024)

      FAQs

      What is difference between RPM and deb? ›

      RPM is the installation package format for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) distributions. DEB is the package format for the Ubuntu distribution. The CCA RPM or DEB packages contain files, samples, and groups.

      Is RPM better than deb? ›

      We all know that linux has many different distros like Ubuntu, kali, Manjaro, Fedora, etc. DEB is the software package extension as well as the format for the Debian linux; distribution of Linux. RPM on the other hand is the software package extension as well as the format for the linux distributions based on Red hat.

      Is my system deb or RPM? ›

      If dpkg -l produces a long list of packages, your system uses . deb packages. If rpm -qa produces a long list of packages, your system uses RPMs. If neither of these produce a long list of packages, your system another packaging format.

      Is snap better than deb? ›

      In some respects, snaps are more secure because they can run without root privileges, although snap expects root privileges by default to install snap packages to your system. Debs require root privileges.

      What is Deb command? ›

      deb-get is a new command line utility built by Martin Wimpress, an active contributor to the Linux community. You can use this utility to install third-party packages on your Debian machine. It only works with Debian or Debian-based distros like Ubuntu, Linux mint, Kali Linux, and so on.

      What are the benefits of RPM in Linux? ›

      RPMs not only make it easy for the user to install software on their computer but also for the developer to deliver the software. RPMs makes it easy to pull in dependencies, other bits of code needed by the software to function properly, and to provide updates to the software in question.

      Is RPM only for Linux? ›

      RPM stands for Red Hat Package Manager. It was developed by Red Hat and is primarily used on Red Hat-based Linux operating systems (Fedora, CentOS, RHEL, etc.).

      What distro uses RPM? ›

      Red Hat Linux and SUSE Linux were the original major distributions that used the .rpm file format, which today is used in several package management systems. Both of these were later divided into commercial and community-supported distributions.

      Can you convert RPM to DEB? ›

      We can convert that . rpm package to . deb on the go using alien, and we could install zenmap directly. Alien is available in most of the repositories but, In case you don't have it you can find and install it from alien-git here.

      Does mint use RPM or DEB? ›

      Linux Mint Support only deb package installation, If you have some software in rpm package you can install it in Linux Mint easily. To install open Terminal (Press Ctrl+Alt+T) and copy the following command in the Terminal: sudo apt-get install alien dpkg-dev debhelper build-essential.

      What is RPM system? ›

      RPM Package Manager (also known as RPM), originally called the Red-hat Package Manager, is an open source program for installing, uninstalling, and managing software packages in Linux. RPM was developed on the basis of the Linux Standard Base (LSB).

      Where RPM files are stored? ›

      Most files pertaining to RPM are kept in the /var/lib/rpm/ directory.

      Are deb packages safe? ›

      . deb files are not very secure since they can have access to everything on your computer.

      Why is snap so good? ›

      So, what exactly makes Snapchat so cool? Whether it's a video or a picture, Snapchat allows its users to customize their content however they please, right in the app. Users can add text, filters, draw their own images, use geofilters and utilize any of the emojis that their phone's keyboard traditionally allows.

      Is snap a safe app? ›

      Common Sense Media rates Snapchat OK for teens 16 and up, mainly because of the exposure to age-inappropriate content and the marketing ploys, such as quizzes, that collect data. Do messages really disappear on Snapchat? It depends. If you set a time limit on a snap, it will disappear after it's viewed.

      What is in a deb file? ›

      A Debian "package", or a Debian archive file, contains the executable files, libraries, and documentation associated with a particular suite of program or set of related programs. Normally, a Debian archive file has a filename that ends in . deb .

      Where are .deb packages? ›

      https://packages.debian.org/ name for the search on package names.

      How do I host a deb repository? ›

      Easy way to host a debian update repository
      1. I create the debian package mypackage. deb.
      2. I tell some daemon to update the update repository: fancy-update-daemon add mypackage. deb.
      3. The client is able to install or update using standard apt commands: apt-get install mypackage.

      What is RPM used for? ›

      RPM stands for revolutions per minute, and it's used as a measure of how fast any machine is operating at a given time. In cars, rpm measures how many times the engine's crankshaft makes one full rotation every minute, and along with it, how many times each piston goes up and down in its cylinder.

      What is RPM also explain the benefits of RPM? ›

      The basics of RPM

      This type of continuous tracking is helpful for patients with ongoing care needs, such as those with diabetes, heart conditions, asthma, hypertension, mental illness, and, more recently, long COVID, that is, the long-lasting symptoms following COVID-19 infection and recovery.

      Is RPM cost effective? ›

      RPM was found to be highly cost-effective for hypertension and may be cost-effective for heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There were few studies that investigated RPM for diabetes or other chronic diseases.

      Is RPM a binary file? ›

      The format is binary and consists of four sections: The lead, which identifies the file as an RPM file and contains some obsolete headers.

      What is RPM file format? ›

      A file with the RPM file extension is a Red Hat package manager file that's used to store installation packages on Linux operating systems. These files provide an easy way for software to be distributed, installed, upgraded, and removed since they're "packaged" in one place.

      Is RPM a zip file? ›

      RPM files are commonly used for installing programs on Linux systems. A ZIP file is an archive that contains one or more files compressed or "zipped" using Zip compression.

      What distro does Edward Snowden use? ›

      It is based on Debian. The operating system has been mentioned by Edward Snowden as showing future potential.
      ...
      Subgraph (operating system)
      OS familyLinux (Unix-like)
      Source modelOpen source
      Latest release2017.09.22 / 22 September 2017
      Kernel typeMonolithic (Linux)
      UserlandGNU
      5 more rows

      Which Linux distro is best for daily use? ›

      Best Linux Distros For Laptops
      1. Linux Mint. Linux Mint is a popular distribution of Linux based on Ubuntu and Debian. ...
      2. Ubuntu. This is one of the most common Linux distributions used by people. ...
      3. Pop_OS! from System76. ...
      4. MX Linux. ...
      5. Elementary OS. ...
      6. Fedora. ...
      7. Zorin. ...
      8. Deepin.
      10 Oct 2022

      Which Linux distro is best for performance? ›

      These are the names we've come to trust, and with high-performance computing, that's what we need.
      • Debian 22.5%
      • Ubuntu 15%
      • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 13%
      • CentOS 11.7%
      • Other 8.6%
      • Gentoo 7.3%
      • Linux Mint 7.2%
      • openSUSE 5.4%

      What is RPM equivalent in Debian? ›

      The RPM Package Manager (RPM) is a command-line driven package management system capable of installing, uninstalling, verifying, querying, and updating computer software packages. On Debian and derived systems it is recommended to use "alien" to convert RPM packages into .

      Does RPM work on Debian? ›

      The name comes from the RPM Package Manager (RPM), a free and open-source package management system for installing, uninstalling, and managing software packages in Linux. Is it possible to install . rpm files on Debian based distributions like Ubuntu? The answer is yes.

      Can .DEB files run on Ubuntu? ›

      Install Deb Files on Ubuntu via dpkg Package Manager

      You can also install Deb files on Ubuntu using the dpkg command.

      Which is better Debian or Mint? ›

      It's been said that Debian has the largest selection of packages available to any Linux distro. Despite hearing this more often than I care to admit, I personally think it depends on what packages you're looking for. For example, Linux Mint can rely on Ubuntu's PPAs whereas it's really not a great idea with Debian.

      Which is faster Ubuntu or Mint? ›

      The Mint Software Manager is faster than Ubuntu's. Mint is also straightforward and provides more usability options, which allows a user to find things quickly.

      Is Mint the best Linux distro? ›

      Recently, I looked at many of the top Linux desktop distros both for beginners and for experts. Then, I spent the last few days looking at the latest version of Linux Mint 20.3, "Una." And, once more, Linux Mint is the best desktop distro for both newcomers and veteran users.

      What are the requirements for RPM? ›

      To qualify for RPM, patients must consent and use an FDA-defined medical device to capture and transmit data. Clinical staff must conduct the monitoring.
      • The patient must consent to participate (verbal or written).
      • The devices must be defined as medical devices by the FDA and ordered by a qualified medical professional.

      Which RPM is best? ›

      The normal RPM range for cars on highways is generally between 1500 rpm and 2000 rpm. The idle rotation ranges between 600 rpm and 1000 rpm. A diesel engine usually stays idle at around 750 rpm, while it runs at a speed of 110 km/h on 6th gear at 2000 rpm. However, petrol engines rotate at 6000 rpm at high speeds.

      What is RPM in Devops? ›

      Stands for Red Hat Package Manager. It´s a package management system. Used to build, install, query, verify, update, and erase individual software packages.

      How run RPM file in Linux? ›

      The following is an example of how to use RPM:
      1. Log in as root , or use the su command to change to the root user at the workstation on which you want to install the software.
      2. Download the package you wish to install. ...
      3. To install the package, enter the following command at the prompt: rpm -i DeathStar0_42b.rpm.
      17 Mar 2020

      How do I extract files from RPM? ›

      Extract files from an RPM package's cpio archive

      The rpm2cpio command will output (to stdout) a cpio archive from the RPM package. To extract the package files we'll use the output from rpm2cpio and then use the cpio command to extract and create the files we need. The cpio command copies files to and from archives.

      Can you get source code from RPM? ›

      A source RPM captures the source code and patches as they were at RPM build time. On RPM-based systems (CentOS, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Oracle Linux, and many more) source RPMs are RPM files that contain a tarball of source code, patches, auxiliary files that are used during the build process, and a .

      Is Debian good for security? ›

      Debian is stable and secure.

      Debian is a Linux-based operating system for a wide range of devices including laptops, desktops and servers. We provide a reasonable default configuration for every package as well as regular security updates during the packages' lifetimes.

      How does deb package work? ›

      A Debian package contains metadata and files. The metadata contains the package name, description, a list of dependencies, and more. The files are extracted into the filesystem root (/), so the file paths in a package are absolute paths.

      Do .deb packages get updated? ›

      Introduction: By default when you run either 'apt-get upgrade' or 'apt upgrade', Debian Linux will update all installed packages.

      Who benefits the most from SNAP? ›

      About 92 percent of SNAP benefits go to households with incomes at or below the poverty line, and 54 percent go to households at or below half of the poverty line.

      Why does SNAP lower quality? ›

      This is because the Snapchat application uses different compression techniques on videos to improve the video upload time. The other aspect of this reduced quality is low cost. The smaller the file size of the video, the lower bandwidth is being consumed.

      Is Snap getting sued? ›

      Snap agrees to $35 million settlement in Illinois privacy lawsuit | TechCrunch.

      Can Snapchat see your My Eyes Only? ›

      Without the password, no one can view the things you've saved to My Eyes Only — not even us! Be careful, though, because if you forget your password, there's no way to recover those encrypted Snaps.

      Should I let my 11 year old have Snapchat? ›

      Parents should consider whether children are mature enough to navigate explicit content and whether they know how to think about the potential impact of what they post. That said, when used responsibly, Snapchat can be a positive outlet for older kids to explore their creativity and connect with friends.

      Can RPM be used on Debian? ›

      To install a . rpm file in a Debian based system you'll need the program Alien. Note that Alien can't work 100% of the time, because rpm and apt are very different.

      Why RPM command is used? ›

      RPM is a command-line utility for managing packages on Unix/Linux systems. It allows you to install, query, update, verify and remove RPM packages. It is the default package manager for Red Hat based systems and only works with the . rpm format.

      What is RPM format? ›

      RPM stands for Red Hat Package Manager. It was developed by Red Hat and is primarily used on Red Hat-based Linux operating systems (Fedora, CentOS, RHEL, etc.). An RPM package uses the . rpm extension and is a bundle (a collection) of different files.

      Should I use RPM or DEB for Ubuntu? ›

      Ubuntu Linux can use DEB or RPM file format depending on the distribution. DEB files are the standard for programs and applications in Linux and are also widely used on Ubuntu. Free programs like apt-get can also be used to install the DEB files on the system.

      Where RPM files are stored in Linux? ›

      Most files pertaining to RPM are kept in the /var/lib/rpm/ directory.

      Is RPM open-source? ›

      RPM Package Manager (RPM) (originally Red Hat Package Manager, now a recursive acronym) is a free and open-source package management system.

      Does Oracle use RPM? ›

      An RPM-based installation performs a software-only Oracle Database installation and creates an Oracle home. After the Oracle home is created, you can then use Oracle Database Configuration Assistant (Oracle DBCA) to create an Oracle Database.

      Can I install RPM without root? ›

      this is actually incorrect, you can't actually run the rpm command without sudo/root access.

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