Rocky Linux vs CentOS: Are They the Same?

CentOS and Rocky Linux may share similar goals and origins, but understanding their differences is crucial for users seeking an open-source, enterprise-ready Linux distribution. This article will explore the relationship between these two projects, highlighting their key differences and comparing them with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).

Background

CentOS, once a beloved community-driven project, provided a free and open-source alternative to Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It aimed to be a complete and binary-compatible version of RHEL, offering users a free operating system that mirrored the commercial version's features and stability.

However, in December 2020, Red Hat announced a significant shift in the CentOS project. This shift included the introduction of CentOS Stream, a rolling-release distribution that sits between Fedora and RHEL. This change created a gap in the market for users who preferred the traditional stable release model.

Rocky Linux: A Response to Change

Rocky Linux was founded by Gregory Kurtzer, one of the original co-founders of CentOS. It was created as a direct response to the changes in CentOS, aiming to fill the gap left by the transition to CentOS Stream. Rocky Linux provides a community-supported, stable RHEL-compatible distribution, ensuring users can continue to enjoy the stability they valued in the original CentOS.

Key Differences

Release Model

The most notable difference between Rocky Linux and CentOS is their release model. Rocky Linux follows a traditional stable release model, similar to the original CentOS, providing predictable, long-term support and updates. In contrast, CentOS Stream is a rolling release that receives continuous updates, similar to Fedora and RHEL.

Community Governance

The governance and development model of Rocky Linux and CentOS Stream also differ. Rocky Linux is developed and maintained by a community-driven effort, ensuring a collaborative and democratized approach to project management. On the other hand, CentOS Stream is managed under Red Hat's stewardship, providing a more centralized and structured development process.

Rocky Linux as a Suitable Replacement for CentOS

While Rocky Linux is not the exact same as CentOS, it serves as an excellent alternative for users who preferred the stability of CentOS before the transition to CentOS Stream. Rocky Linux offers 100% compatibility with RHEL and CentOS, making it a free and community-based server-oriented Linux distribution.

Rocky Linux is enterprise-ready, providing solid stability with regular updates and a 10-year support lifecycle at no additional cost. Additionally, they offer an easy-to-use migration script, helping users make the transition seamlessly.

Features of Rocky Linux

Conclusion

While Rocky Linux and CentOS have a shared history and goals, they serve distinct roles in the open-source ecosystem. Users who value stability and predictability may find that Rocky Linux is the perfect fit for their needs. It provides the same level of enterprise readiness, compatibility, and support as CentOS, while maintaining a strong community focus.

Competing with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) in terms of features, stability, and support, Rocky Linux stands as a reliable alternative for those seeking a free and stable Linux distribution. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned Linux administrator, Rocky Linux is a viable choice for your server needs.