How to Install a Package on CentOS Using yum or dnf

To install a package on CentOS, use the yum install package-name command for CentOS 7 or earlier, and dnf install package-name for CentOS 8 or later. These commands download and install the package along with its dependencies automatically.

Syntax

The basic command to install a package on CentOS is:

• yum install package-name for CentOS 7 and earlier.
• dnf install package-name for CentOS 8 and later.

Here, package-name is the name of the software you want to install.

yum and dnf are package managers that handle downloading and installing software and its dependencies.

bash

sudo yum install package-name

# or for CentOS 8+
sudo dnf install package-name

Example

This example shows how to install the nano text editor on CentOS 7 using yum. It will download and install nano and any needed dependencies.

bash

sudo yum install nano -y

Output

Loaded plugins: fastestmirror
Loading mirror speeds from cached hostfile
Resolving Dependencies
--> Running transaction check
---> Package nano.x86_64 0:2.3.1-10.el7 will be installed
...
Installed:
  nano.x86_64 0:2.3.1-10.el7
Complete!

Common Pitfalls

• Not running the install command with sudo can cause permission errors.
• Using yum on CentOS 8 or later may work but dnf is preferred and more up to date.
• Typos in the package name will cause "No package found" errors.
• Network issues can prevent downloading packages.

bash

sudo yum install nano -y  # Correct way

# Wrong: missing sudo
yum install nano -y
# Error: Permission denied

# Wrong: typo in package name
sudo yum install nanox -y
# Error: No package nanox available.

Quick Reference

Command	Description
sudo yum install package-name	Install package on CentOS 7 or earlier
sudo dnf install package-name	Install package on CentOS 8 or later
sudo yum update	Update all packages on CentOS 7 or earlier
sudo dnf update	Update all packages on CentOS 8 or later
yum search package-name	Search for a package (CentOS 7)
dnf search package-name	Search for a package (CentOS 8+)

Key Takeaways

Use yum install package-name on CentOS 7 and earlier to install packages.

Use dnf install package-name on CentOS 8 and later for package installation.

Always run install commands with sudo to avoid permission errors.

Check package names carefully to avoid "No package found" errors.

Ensure your system has internet access to download packages.