Rocky Linux was created as a response to changes in the CentOS project and has quickly gained popularity as an enterprise-ready operating system. Here’s an overview of its background and evolution:
- CentOS (Community ENTerprise Operating System) was originally created in 2004 as a free, community-driven fork of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
- CentOS offered a stable, RHEL-compatible distribution without the subscription fees associated with RHEL, making it a popular choice for businesses, developers, and system administrators who wanted enterprise-grade software without the costs.
- CentOS co-founder Gregory Kurtzer helped build CentOS into a widely-used distribution known for its reliability and long-term support.
- In 2014, Red Hat acquired CentOS to streamline collaboration and improve stability across RHEL and CentOS. Under Red Hat’s guidance, CentOS became closely aligned with RHEL, with Red Hat providing additional support and resources.
- In December 2020, Red Hat announced that CentOS 8 would transition to CentOS Stream and end as a stable, downstream build of RHEL. CentOS Stream would instead act as a rolling-release, positioned upstream of RHEL. This change was intended to allow users to test RHEL-like software before it was officially released on RHEL, but it disrupted CentOS’s traditional model of offering a stable, RHEL-compatible alternative.
- This shift left many CentOS users, especially those who relied on a stable platform for production, searching for alternatives.
- In response to the CentOS Stream announcement, Gregory Kurtzer founded Rocky Linux in late 2020 as a community-driven, RHEL-compatible replacement that would continue CentOS’s legacy.
- The project was named after Rocky McGaugh, a fellow CentOS co-founder, as a tribute to his contributions to the open-source community.
- To support Rocky Linux, Kurtzer also established the Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation (RESF), a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and promoting Rocky Linux as a free, community-centered enterprise operating system.
- The RESF was designed to ensure Rocky Linux would remain independent, governed by community interests rather than corporate influences.
¶ 6. Initial Releases and Community Growth
- Rocky Linux quickly gained attention in the Linux community, attracting developers, system administrators, and organizations seeking a stable CentOS replacement.
- Rocky Linux 8.4, the first stable release, was launched in June 2021, followed by subsequent updates to keep up with RHEL versions.
- Rocky Linux has since released multiple versions, maintaining compatibility with RHEL updates and delivering enterprise-level stability and support.
¶ 7. Ongoing Development and Future
- Rocky Linux continues to gain widespread adoption as a RHEL-compatible operating system, with ongoing support, community contributions, and security updates.
- The project has also expanded its infrastructure and resources, offering tools for seamless migration from CentOS and other RHEL-based distributions.
- Rocky Linux is expected to continue evolving as a premier choice for users and organizations looking for a free, stable, and open-source enterprise-grade operating system.
Rocky Linux has become a popular option for organizations that relied on CentOS and require long-term support and stability without sacrificing compatibility with RHEL. Through the support of the RESF and the community, it aims to provide a robust enterprise platform for years to come.
Rocky Linux Overview
Package Management in Rocky Linux
Rocky FAQ