Since RHEL, CentOS, and AlmaLinux official repository does not offer all packages we need to install various common software.

To overcome this we can enable the EPEL (Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux) repository on Linux servers.

Furthermore, this offers additional packages for Enterprise Linux and also ensures the high quality of the additional packages for Enterprise Linux.

Here at Ibmi Media, as part of our Server Management Services, we regularly help our Customers to perform Software Installation tasks on AlmaLinux Linux System.

In this context, we shall look into how to enable EPEL repository on AlmaLinux.

How to Enable EPEL repository on AlmaLinux 8 ?

The method to enable it is very simple and common for all RedHat-based Linux distros including AlmaLinux.

It is easy to add an Extra package repository for Enterprise Linux. Just like CentOS or RHEL 8, we can run the following command in the command terminal of AlmaLinux. 

This will enable EPEL:

$ sudo dnf install epel-release

How to Run a System update ?

After adding the EPEL, we need to run the update command. This allows the system to rebuild the repository cache so that we will not face any problem while installing any package available via this repo.

We can use the following command to update the system:

$ sudo dnf update

How to check the added EPEL version ?

There is no need for checking the version. This is because while installing it, the version for the same has already been displayed. 

However, if we wish to confirm it again, execute the command given below:

$ rpm -q epel-release

How to resolve common error encountered while enabling EPEL repository on AlmaLinux 8 ?

Following is one of the common error seen while enabling EPEL:

No match for argument: epel-release
Error: Unable to find a match

Cause of this error

One of the dependency passenger is missing from the server.

Solution to this error

We can install passenger in the server:

$ sudo dnf install passenger

[Need assistance in installing Software Packages on AlmaLinux System? We can help you. ]