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In this guide, you’ll master software management on CentOS Stream 8 using DNF—the modern package manager. Whether you’re installing web servers, managing repositories, or cleaning up unused dependencies, DNF provides a consistent CLI. If you’re on an older CentOS release without DNF, substitute yum for dnf in the examples below (for instance, use sudo yum install nginx).
CentOS Stream 8 uses DNF by default. For legacy CentOS 7 or earlier, replace dnf with yum in all commands.

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Software Repositories

A software repository is a server that hosts packages—programs, libraries, configurations, and more. CentOS Stream 8 includes several repositories out of the box.

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Listing Enabled Repositories

sudo dnf repolist
Output: 
repo id      repo name
appstream    CentOS Stream 8 - AppStream
baseos       CentOS Stream 8 - BaseOS
extras       CentOS Stream 8 - Extras

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Viewing Detailed Repository Information

Add the -v (verbose) flag to see package counts, base URLs, mirror lists, and more: 
sudo dnf repolist -v

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Listing All Repositories (Enabled & Disabled)

sudo dnf repolist --all
Sample output: 
repo id        repo name                                    status
powertools     CentOS Stream 8 - PowerTools                disabled
media-appstream CentOS Stream 8 - Media - AppStream         disabled
...

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Enabling or Disabling Optional Repositories

sudo dnf config-manager --enable powertools
sudo dnf config-manager --disable powertools

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Adding a Third-Party Repository

To install packages not found in official repos, add a third-party repository:
Third-party repositories can introduce unverified software. Only add trusted sources.
sudo dnf config-manager --add-repo https://download.docker.com/linux/centos/docker-ce.repo
To remove it later, delete its .repo file (find the path via dnf repolist -v).

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Searching and Installing Packages

When you’re unsure of a package name, use: 
sudo dnf search web server
To search for the exact phrase: 
sudo dnf search 'web server'

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Viewing Package Details

sudo dnf info nginx
Sample fields:
  • Name, Version, Release
  • Architecture
  • Repository
  • Summary, License, Description

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Common DNF Commands

CommandDescription
sudo dnf search <term>Search package names and descriptions
sudo dnf info <package>Display detailed package metadata
sudo dnf install <package>Install a package
sudo dnf remove <package>Uninstall a package
sudo dnf reinstall <package>Reinstall (restore) an existing package
sudo dnf autoremoveRemove dependencies no longer required
sudo dnf historyShow DNF transaction history

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Installing, Reinstalling, and Removing Packages

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Install a Package

sudo dnf install nginx
Confirm with y when prompted.

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Reinstall a Package

Restores missing or corrupted files: 
sudo dnf reinstall nginx

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Remove a Package

sudo dnf remove nginx
You can specify full name/version/arch (e.g., libcurl-7.61.1-22.el8.x86_64) or just libcurl.

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Managing Package Groups

DNF groups bundle related packages (e.g., a desktop environment).

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List Groups

sudo dnf group list

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Install an Environment Group

sudo dnf group install 'Server with GUI'
Include optional packages: 
sudo dnf group install --with-optional 'Server with GUI'

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Remove a Group

sudo dnf group remove 'Server with GUI'

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Show Hidden Groups

sudo dnf group list --hidden

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Installing Local RPMs

Download an RPM: 
wget https://download.nomachine.com/download/7.7/Linux/nomachine_7.7.4_1_x86_64.rpm
Install it: 
sudo dnf install ./nomachine_7.7.4_1_x86_64.rpm
Remove it: 
sudo dnf remove nomachine

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Cleanup and Transaction History

  • Remove orphaned dependencies: 
    sudo dnf autoremove
  • View transaction history: 
    sudo dnf history

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Shell Completion Tips

Type dnf and press Tab twice. Confirm with y to list all commands and subcommands.

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References

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