Chapter 2. Configuring DNF

Verify your software management settings by viewing the active DNF configuration. Reviewing these parameters ensures that your system uses the correct global and repository settings for efficient package management.

The [main] section in the /etc/dnf/dnf.conf file contains only the settings that have been explicitly set. However, you can display all settings of the [main] section, including the ones that have not been set and which, therefore, use their default values.

To control how DNF operates, configure key-value pairs in the [main] section of the /etc/dnf/dnf.conf file.

Extend the functionality of the DNF tool by managing its plugins. By enabling or disabling plugins, you can activate or remove specific features to align with your environment’s operational requirements.

In the DNF tool, plugins are loaded by default. However, you can influence which plugins DNF loads.

Every installed plugin can have its own configuration file in the /etc/dnf/plugins/ directory. Name plugin configuration files in the <plugin_name>.conf directory. By default, plugins are typically enabled. You can manage plugins by either using different dnf commands or modifying the [main] section of the plugin’s configuration file.

To prevent specific software from being installed or updated, exclude packages from DNF operations by using the excludepkgs option.

You can configure DNF to exclude packages from any DNF operation by using the excludepkgs option. You can define the excludepkgs option in the [main] or the repository section of the /etc/dnf/dnf.conf DNF configuration file.