Chapter 12. Distribution Options
Red Hat Enterprise Linux offers three methods of distribution for third-party applications.
RPM Packages
RPM Packages are the traditional method of distributing and installing software.
- RPM Packages are a mature technology with multiple tools and widely disseminated knowledge.
- Applications are installed as part of the system.
- The installation tools greatly assist in resolving dependencies.
Only one version of a package can be installed, making multiple application version installations difficult.
To create an RPM package, follow the instructions in the RPM Packaging Guide, Packaging Software.
Software Collections
A Software Collection is a specially prepared RPM package for an alternative version of an application.
- A Software Collection is a packaging method used and supported by Red Hat.
- It is built on top of the RPM package mechanism.
- Multiple versions of an application can be installed at once.
For more information, see Red Hat Software Collections Packaging Guide, What Are Software Collections?
To create a software collection package, follow the instructions in the Red Hat Software Collections Packaging Guide, Packaging Software Collections.
Containers
Docker-formatted containers are a lightweight virtualization method.
- Applications can be present in multiple independent versions and instances.
- They can be prepared easily from an RPM package or Software Collection.
- Interaction with the system can be precisely controlled.
- Isolation of the application increases security.
- Containerizing applications or their components enables the orchestration of multiple instances.
Additional Resources
- Red Hat Software Collections Packaging Guide — What Are Software Collections?
