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RPM

Free#76 of 92 in Package Managers

RPM: An open-source Linux tool for creating, installing, querying, and verifying RPM packages. Ranked #76 of 92 in Package Managers by our editors (5.3/10); pricing: Open source; best for linux RPM package construction and querying.

5.3/10Editor score

Visit RPM

RPM5.3 Visit RPM

At a glance

Editor score
5.3 / 10
Pricing
Open source
Best for
Linux RPM package construction and querying
Paid from
Free
Facts checked
21 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Builds distributable RPM packages from source with rpmbuild.
- Installs, upgrades, removes, queries, and verifies packages.
- Manages package dependencies and installation order.
Where it doesn't
- Supports Linux rather than multiple operating-system platforms.
- Dependency checking does not provide verified repository-based fetching.
- The command-line workflow may not suit teams seeking a graphical interface.

Our verdict on RPM

RPM is an open-source command-line package management system for Linux distributions and other operating systems. Its core workflow covers building software from source into distributable packages, then installing, updating, upgrading, removing, querying, and verifying those packages. Package metadata can include versions, descriptions, dependencies, scripts, and file attributes. RPM is aimed at Linux administrators, developers, and distribution maintainers who need direct control over RPM v4 or RPM v6 packages.

For package creation, RPM includes rpmbuild and supports turning source code into distributable packages. Its transaction model performs dependency checking and orders installations, while verification checks package files and installation integrity. A C/Python library API also supports programmatic transaction management. These capabilities make RPM a focused fit for teams working within Linux RPM-based packaging workflows, particularly when package construction and low-level package operations matter more than a broader cross-platform toolset.

The main boundary is dependency management scope. RPM manages dependency relationships and installation order, but it is not positioned here as a repository-oriented resolver that fetches dependencies or maintains lockfiles. Its Linux-only coverage also limits its usefulness for teams standardizing one package manager across different operating systems. Choose RPM when you need open-source tooling for building and managing RPM packages directly; consider an alternative when verified dependency resolution, lockfiles, or broader platform coverage are central requirements.

Your product? Our editors can test RPM in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

RPM pricing

Plans Open sourceFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on rpm.org

RPM fact sheet

Free plan	Not verified
Paid from	Free
Package formats	RPM v4, RPM v6
Supported platforms	Linux
Dependency resolution	No
Lockfile support	Not verified
Workspace support	Not verified
Private registry auth	Not verified
Offline installation	Not verified
Deployment	Self-hosted
Platforms	Linux
Support	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Open source
Website	rpm.org
Facts checked	21 Sep 2026

Alternatives to RPM

See all RPM alternatives →

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Featured on iTechGuides

RPM is listed in our Package Managers directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update