Rocky Linux vs CentOS: A Comprehensive OS Comparison

Rocky Linux and CentOS are Linux distributions that aim to provide a free, open-source, and community-supported alternative to Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). They are designed to be binary-compatible with RHEL, allowing users to migrate seamlessly from RHEL to either CentOS or Rocky Linux.

Table of Contents

What is Rocky Linux?
1. Key features and goals of Rocky Linux include:
What is CentOS?
1. Key features and aspects of CentOS include:
Rocky Linux vs CentOS: Performance and Resource Efficiency
Rocky Linux vs CentOS: Community, Documentation, and Support
Conclusion
FAQs

What is Rocky Linux?

Rocky Linux is a community-driven, open-source Linux distribution designed to be a downstream, binary-compatible alternative to Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It was created in response to the changes in the CentOS project’s direction. The project was initiated by Gregory Kurtzer, one of the original co-founders of CentOS, after the CentOS Project announced a shift in its strategy from being a RHEL rebuild to a rolling-release model called CentOS Stream.

Rocky Linux aims to provide a free, reliable, and community-supported operating system for users who were accustomed to the traditional CentOS release model. The primary goal is to maintain binary compatibility with RHEL, allowing users to seamlessly transition from RHEL or CentOS to Rocky Linux without making significant changes to their systems or applications.

Key features and goals of Rocky Linux include:

Stability: Rocky Linux follows a fixed-release model, providing stability and predictability in terms of updates and releases.
Community-Driven: The development and maintenance of Rocky Linux involve contributions from the open-source community. The project encourages collaboration, and users are welcome to participate in testing, reporting issues, and contributing to the codebase.
Compatibility: Rocky Linux is designed to be fully compatible with RHEL, ensuring that software and applications developed for RHEL can run on Rocky Linux without modification.
Enterprise-Grade: With its compatibility with RHEL, Rocky Linux is suitable for enterprise environments where RHEL has traditionally been a popular choice.

Rocky Linux has gained support and adoption within the open-source community as an alternative to CentOS, particularly for users who prefer the traditional CentOS release model over CentOS Stream’s rolling-release approach. It provides an option for organizations and individuals seeking a stable, community-driven, and RHEL-compatible Linux distribution.

What is CentOS?

CentOS, short for Community Enterprise Operating System, is a free and open-source Linux distribution that is based on the sources of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It aims to provide a binary-compatible, downstream version of RHEL, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of a robust enterprise Linux operating system without the associated costs. CentOS is developed and maintained by the CentOS Project, which is a community-driven effort supported by volunteers.

Key features and aspects of CentOS include:

RHEL Compatibility: CentOS is designed to be functionally and binary-compatible with RHEL. This compatibility allows users to switch between RHEL and CentOS seamlessly, making CentOS an attractive option for those who want enterprise-level features without the subscription fees associated with RHEL.
Stability: CentOS is known for its stability and reliability, making it a popular choice for server environments and critical infrastructure. The distribution follows a fixed-release model, with updates focused on security patches and bug fixes rather than introducing new features.
Community-Driven: The development of CentOS is driven by the CentOS Project, which is a community effort. Volunteers contribute to the project by maintaining packages, testing, and providing support. The community nature of CentOS fosters collaboration and allows users to engage with one another for assistance and improvement.
Usage Scenarios: CentOS is widely used in various scenarios, including server deployments, web hosting, virtualization, and as a platform for software development and testing. Its stability and compatibility with RHEL make it a trusted choice for enterprise applications.

However, it’s important to note that there have been significant changes in the CentOS project’s direction. In December 2020, the CentOS Project announced a shift in its strategy with the introduction of CentOS Stream. CentOS Stream is a rolling-release model that serves as a development preview of what will be in the next minor release of RHEL. This shift was met with some controversy, as users who preferred the previous fixed-release model of CentOS were concerned about the implications for stability and predictability.

In response to this change, alternative projects like Rocky Linux emerged to provide a traditional, fixed-release model similar to the original CentOS. Users interested in CentOS-like distributions should be aware of these changes and choose the distribution that aligns with their preferences and requirements.

Rocky Linux vs CentOS: Performance and Resource Efficiency

Some general considerations based on the characteristics of both distributions.

Similar Foundation:

Both Rocky Linux and CentOS aim to be binary-compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), sharing a similar codebase and architecture. As a result, their performance characteristics in terms of core system functions are likely to be very close.

Stability and Performance Trade-offs:

CentOS traditionally had a reputation for stability, which is crucial in enterprise environments. The shift to CentOS Stream introduced a rolling-release model, potentially leading to more frequent updates and access to newer software features. However, this may come at the cost of the predictability and perceived stability that some users value.
Rocky Linux, being a continuation of the traditional CentOS model, aims to provide stability with fixed releases. This model may be preferred by users who prioritize a consistent and well-tested platform over access to bleeding-edge features.

Resource Efficiency:

The resource efficiency of an operating system is influenced by various factors, including the Linux kernel version, included software packages, and system configurations. In general, both Rocky Linux and CentOS are designed to be resource-efficient and suitable for server environments.
Resource efficiency can also depend on the specific use case and workload. For example, a server running lightweight services may have different resource requirements compared to a system hosting resource-intensive applications.

Community Contributions:

Both Rocky Linux and CentOS benefit from community contributions, and the level of community involvement can impact the optimization and performance tuning of the distribution. A vibrant and active community can contribute to identifying and resolving performance-related issues.

Benchmarking:

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on performance and resource efficiency, it’s recommended to refer to benchmark tests conducted on specific hardware and under specific workloads. Community forums, documentation, and official websites of Rocky Linux and CentOS may provide relevant performance information.

Feature	Rocky Linux	CentOS
Origin	Fork of CentOS 8	Official Red Hat derivative
Release Cycle	Fixed (10 years support)	Fixed (6 years support) or Rolling (CentOS Stream)
Latest Packages	Lags behind RHEL	Tracks latest RHEL packages (CentOS Stream)
Community	Independent, non-profit	Red Hat and community
Paid Support	No	Yes (through Red Hat)
Popularity	Growing	Established
Best for	Stability and long-term support	Access to latest software (CentOS Stream)

When choosing between Rocky Linux and CentOS, it’s essential to consider your specific requirements, preferences, and the nature of your workloads. It may also be beneficial to check for recent user experiences and reviews to gather insights into real-world performance considerations.

Rocky Linux vs CentOS: Community, Documentation, and Support

Community:

CentOS:

Historically, CentOS had a large and active community. The shift to CentOS Stream in December 2020 led to some community dissatisfaction due to the change in the release model.
While CentOS Stream has its community, the transition resulted in a split in the user base, with some users seeking alternatives.

Rocky Linux:

Rocky Linux was created in response to the changes in CentOS and gained community support quickly. It was initiated by Gregory Kurtzer, one of the original co-founders of CentOS.
The Rocky Linux community actively contributes to development, testing, and support.

Documentation:

CentOS:

CentOS historically had well-established and comprehensive documentation. The documentation covered a wide range of topics, including installation guides, configuration, troubleshooting, and more.
The documentation was often considered a valuable resource for users of CentOS.

Rocky Linux:

Rocky Linux aims to provide thorough and accessible documentation. The project recognizes the importance of documentation for user support and has put effort into creating and maintaining resources.

Support:

CentOS:

CentOS traditionally offered community support through forums, mailing lists, and community-driven efforts. For more extensive support and services, users could opt for Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

Rocky Linux:

Rocky Linux relies on community-driven support through forums, mailing lists, and collaborative efforts. Being a community-driven project, support largely comes from volunteers and fellow users.
Some organizations may offer commercial support for Rocky Linux, but this may vary.

Recommendations:

Evaluate Community Sentiment: Check forums, social media, and community channels to gauge the sentiment of users regarding the community, especially in the context of changes in CentOS and the emergence of Rocky Linux.
Review Official Documentation: Examine the official documentation for both distributions to ensure that the information is comprehensive, up-to-date, and meets your needs.
Consider Commercial Support Options: If commercial support is crucial for your organization, inquire about available options for both CentOS and Rocky Linux. Some organizations provide commercial support for CentOS Stream, and similar options may emerge for Rocky Linux.
Engage with the Community: Participate in forums, mailing lists, or other community platforms to get a sense of the level of engagement, helpfulness, and responsiveness within each community.

Ultimately, the choice between Rocky Linux and CentOS should align with your organization’s preferences, requirements, and the nature of your workloads.

Conclusion

the choice between Rocky Linux and CentOS depends on your specific needs, preferences, and considerations

Rocky Linux:

Developed as a response to changes in CentOS, particularly the shift to CentOS Stream.
Aims to provide a stable, community-driven, and binary-compatible alternative to RHEL with a fixed-release model.
Gained quick community support and involvement, with an emphasis on stability and predictability.
Documentation and community support are actively maintained, with a focus on providing resources for users.

CentOS:

Historically known for being a downstream, binary-compatible version of RHEL.
The introduction of CentOS Stream led to a shift in the release model, causing some community dissatisfaction.
Still has an active community, documentation, and support, but user sentiment has varied.

Considerations:

Stability vs. Rolling Release: If stability and a traditional fixed-release model are crucial for your environment, Rocky Linux might be a preferred choice. If you are comfortable with a rolling-release model, CentOS Stream might still be a viable option.
Community Engagement: Evaluate the community sentiment, activity, and engagement for both distributions. The level of community support can impact your experience and access to resources.
Documentation: Review the official documentation for both distributions to ensure it meets your needs. Well-maintained and comprehensive documentation is essential for troubleshooting and configuring your system.
Commercial Support: If commercial support is a requirement, inquire about available options for both distributions. Some organizations offer commercial support for CentOS Stream, and similar options may emerge for Rocky Linux.
Testing: Before making a decision for production environments, consider testing both distributions in your specific use case to ensure compatibility and performance.

It’s essential to stay updated on the latest developments, as the landscape of Linux distributions can evolve.

FAQs

Q. What is Rocky Linux?

Q. What is CentOS?

CentOS, short for Community ENTerprise Operating System, is a free and open-source Linux distribution based on the sources of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It traditionally aimed to provide a stable, community-supported version of RHEL.

Q. Why was Rocky Linux created?

Rocky Linux was created in response to the CentOS project’s decision to shift to a rolling-release model called CentOS Stream. This change led to dissatisfaction among users who preferred the traditional fixed-release model of CentOS.

Q. How is Rocky Linux different from CentOS?

Rocky Linux aims to continue the traditional CentOS model with fixed releases, providing stability and predictability. It is a community-driven project led by Gregory Kurtzer, one of the original co-founders of CentOS.

Q. Is Rocky Linux free to use?

Yes, Rocky Linux is free and open-source. It can be used, modified, and distributed under the terms of its open-source license.

Q. Is Rocky Linux binary-compatible with RHEL?

Yes, similar to CentOS, Rocky Linux is designed to be binary-compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. This compatibility allows users to migrate seamlessly from RHEL or CentOS to Rocky Linux.

Q. What is CentOS Stream?

CentOS Stream is a rolling-release Linux distribution that serves as a development preview of what will be in the next minor release of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It was introduced as a change in the CentOS project’s strategy.

Q. How can I get support for Rocky Linux or CentOS?

Both distributions rely on community-driven support through forums, mailing lists, and collaborative efforts. Commercial support may also be available from certain organizations. Check the official websites for more information.

Q. Can I migrate from CentOS to Rocky Linux?

Yes, migration from CentOS to Rocky Linux is intended to be straightforward due to the binary compatibility between the distributions. However, it’s recommended to test the migration process in a non-production environment first.

Q. What are the key considerations when choosing between Rocky Linux and CentOS?

Key considerations include your preference for a fixed-release or rolling-release model, community sentiment, documentation quality, and specific requirements for stability and support.