rpmbased

RPMbased refers to Linux distributions and systems that use the RPM Package Manager and the .rpm packaging format for distributing and managing software. The RPM Package Manager, originally developed by Red Hat, handles the installation, upgrade, and removal of software packages, along with maintaining metadata, dependencies, and cryptographic signatures. Packages are distributed as binary RPMs built from spec files, enabling consistency across systems and straightforward auditing.

In RPM-based systems, software is typically obtained from centralized repositories. Package management is performed with both low-level and high-level tools. The rpm command provides basic package operations, while higher-level tools such as YUM (and its successor DNF) automate dependency resolution and repository management. Some RPM-based distributions also employ alternative front-ends; for example, openSUSE uses Zypper as its primary package manager while still using the RPM format.

Notable RPM-based distributions include Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), Fedora, CentOS (including CentOS Stream), Oracle Linux, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, and openSUSE. These distributions are widely used in server environments, enterprise deployments, and development workflows, often emphasizing security updates, long-term support, and formal governance.

RPM-based ecosystems contrast with DEB-based systems (such as Debian and Ubuntu) by using the RPM format and different tooling, although both families support concepts like repositories, package signing, and dependency management. The RPM ecosystem also supports various packaging practices, such as building from source via spec files and maintaining signed package collections for distribution and deployment.