DEB vs. RPM — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023

Deb is a package format for Debian-based systems. Rpm is a Red Hat package manager format. Both are for software installation on Linux.

Difference Between DEB and RPM

Key Differences

Deb is the package format used by Debian-based Linux distributions, such as Debian itself, Ubuntu, and Mint. It stands for "Debian package" and is a binary archive format that contains the compiled software, its metadata, and installation instructions. On the other hand, Rpm stands for "Red Hat Package Manager" and is the package format for Red Hat-based systems, including Fedora, CentOS, and RHEL.

Deb packages are managed using tools like dpkg and apt-get or apt. These tools aid in the installation, removal, and management of software on a Debian-based system. Conversely, Rpm packages are managed using the rpm command or higher-level tools such as yum or dnf, serving similar purposes for Red Hat-based systems.

When it comes to designing packages, both Deb and Rpm have their own conventions and methodologies. Deb packages, for instance, often have post-installation scripts to configure the software. Rpm packages, while also offering post-installation script capability, place a larger emphasis on maintaining system state before and after the software installation.

Community support differs for both Deb and Rpm. The Debian community, with its philosophy of free software, manages and supports the Deb format, while the Rpm format enjoys backing from Red Hat and its enterprise interests. Regardless of the differences, both formats aim to simplify software distribution and installation for Linux users.

Comparison Chart

Stands for

Debian package

Red Hat Package Manager

Used by

Debian, Ubuntu, Mint

Red Hat, Fedora, CentOS

Management tools

Dpkg, apt-get, apt

Rpm, yum, dnf

File extension

.deb

.rpm

Community backing

Debian community

Red Hat and its enterprise interests

Compare with Definitions

Deb

Archive containing software for Debian distributions.

The Deb package comes with all the necessary dependencies.

Rpm

Red Hat's tool and format for software distribution.

You can use the rpm command to install that package.

Deb

A binary package format for Debian-based systems.

I downloaded the .Deb file to install the software on my Ubuntu machine.

Rpm

Package format for Red Hat and its derivatives.

The software provides an Rpm for Fedora installations.

Deb

Binary archive for software installation on Debian-like OS.

The software's Deb file was easy to install.

Rpm

Binary package system used in Red Hat-based Linux distributions.

The Rpm file contains both the software and its metadata.

Deb

Software distribution method for Debian and its derivatives.

Check if there's a Deb package available for that tool.

Rpm

A method for packaging software on Red Hat-like systems.

Many enterprise tools offer Rpm versions for easy deployment.

Deb

Debian's approach to packaging and distributing software.

I prefer using Deb packages because of their simplicity.

Rpm

Archive format for software management on Red Hat systems.

Make sure to check the Rpm's integrity before installation.

Deb

A debutante.

Rpm

Alternative case form of RPM

Deb

(informal) debutante

Rpm

Alternative case form of RPM

Deb

(informal) Debutante ball or debut.

Rpm

Rate of revolution of a motor;

The engine was doing 6000 revs

Deb

A young woman making her debut into society

Common Curiosities

Are Rpm packages used in CentOS?

Yes, CentOS, like Red Hat, uses Rpm packages.

Is Ubuntu based on Deb or Rpm?

Ubuntu is based on Deb.

What is Deb?

Deb is a package format used by Debian-based Linux distributions.

What's the difference between Deb and Rpm?

Deb is for Debian-based systems, while Rpm is for Red Hat-based systems.

What tool can I use to install a Deb package?

You can use dpkg or higher-level tools like apt-get or apt.

Are there any alternatives to Rpm in Red Hat systems?

Rpm is the standard, but alternatives like Flatpak or Snap can be used across distributions.

Which command manages Rpm packages?

Rpm packages are managed using the rpm command or tools like yum or dnf.

Can I use Deb packages on Fedora?

No, Fedora uses Rpm packages; Deb is for Debian-based systems.

What does Rpm stand for?

Rpm stands for "Red Hat Package Manager."

Are Rpm packages only for Red Hat?

While Rpm originated with Red Hat, it's used in other distributions like Fedora and CentOS.

Is it safe to force-install an Rpm package?

Forcing an Rpm install can bypass checks, so it's best to do so only if you're sure of the package's integrity and compatibility.

Can I convert a Deb package to Rpm?

Tools like alien can convert between Deb and Rpm, but results may vary.

Which is older, Deb or Rpm?

Both emerged around the mid-90s, with Deb being slightly older.

How do I see the contents of a Deb package?

You can use the dpkg-deb command with the -c option.

What file extension denotes a Deb package?

Deb packages have the .deb file extension.

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Tayyaba Rehman

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.