Enabling EPEL repository on Linux can be implemented via different ways depending on the Linux distribution and OS.

As part of our Server Management Services, here at Ibmi Media, we have previously help customers to install Software and Packages on CentOS.

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

More about EPEL?

With an EPEL repository, the installation of packages for common software is made easily accessible. Additionally, in the Enterprise Linux distribution, EPEL makes it easy to get software within the system.

Therefore, with the Yum or DNF feature, EPEL Repo can be easily installed for open source packages. It is also very compatible with the system and prevent installation of duplicate packages.

EPEL repository can be used in the Linux distributions listed below;

i. Oracle Linux
ii. Scientific Linux
iii. CentOS
iv. Red Hat Enterprise Linux know as RHEL

Steps to enable EPEL repository

Different methods applies when enabling EPEL repository depending on the Linux distribution.

Our Experienced Linux Support Experts can help you enable EPEL on CentOS.

EPEL installation with yum on CentOS

A repo named "CentOS Extras" is included in CentOS by default.

To begin, start by connecting to your Server as a root level user with an SSH tool such as putty. Once logged in, use the command below to install EPEL;

sudo yum install epel-release

During the installation process, you will be prompted to confirm, where you should press enter to confirm the installation.

EPEL installation on RHEL/CentOS

To install EPEL repo on a RHEL, first start by changing working directory to temporal directory "tmp" with the command below;

cd /tmp

Now you can download the rpm file for the installation. This depends on the OS you are using.

For RHEL 7/CentOS 7, use the command below;

wget https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/epel/epel-release-latest-7.noarch.rpm

For RHEL 6/CentOS 6, use the command below;

wget https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/epel/epel-release-latest-6.noarch.rpm

For RHEL 5/CentOS 5, use the command below;

wget https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/epel/epel-release-latest-5.noarch.rpm

After downloading the EPEL rpm file for your OS version, proceed with installing the EPEL repository with the command below;

yum install ./epel-release-latest-*.noarch.rpm

Next, search and install the package. List the available packages under packages under "EPEL" with the command;

sudo yum –disablerepo="*" –enablerepo="epel" list available

Or with the command;

sudo yum –disablerepo="*" –enablerepo="epel" list available | grep ‘package’

Also, you can use the command below to search for epel;

sudo yum –disablerepo="*" –enablerepo="epel" list available | less

How to install packages with an EPEL Repository

After installing EPEL repository successfully, you can install a package with the command below;

sudo dnf –enablerepo="epel" install <package_name>

Alternatively, you can use;

sudo yum –enablerepo="epel" install <package_name>

Fo instance, lets say we want to install a package called "htop", first use the command below to search it;

sudo yum –enablerepo=epel info htop

Next, you can install htop by running the command below;

sudo yum –enablerepo=epel install htop

EPEL cponfiguration file is located in the /etc/yum.repos.d/epel.repo directory.

Need support in installing Software on CentOS, Debian and Ubuntu Linux? We are available to help you today.