rpmbuild is a command-line tool used to create RPM (Red Hat Package Manager) packages from source code, configuration files, and other data. RPM packages are used by Linux distributions like Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Fedora, and CentOS to distribute software packages in a standardized format.
The rpmbuild tool takes a set of source files and builds them into an RPM package that can be installed on a Linux system using a package manager like yum or dnf. The tool can be used to create both binary and source RPM packages, which are used to distribute software in compiled and uncompiled forms, respectively.
The rpmbuild tool uses a set of spec files to define the package’s metadata and build instructions. The spec file includes information such as the package name, version number, dependencies, build instructions, and license information. The build instructions can include compiling the source code, running tests, generating documentation, and creating the final RPM package.
The rpmbuild tool provides a number of options that can be used to customize the build process, such as specifying the build root directory, defining macros, and specifying the package architecture. These options allow for greater flexibility in the packaging process, making it possible to create packages that are optimized for specific hardware or configurations.
The rpmbuild tool is commonly used by software developers, system administrators, and Linux distributors to create and distribute software packages. It provides a standardized way to package and distribute software, ensuring that packages are consistent and easy to install on a wide range of Linux distributions.
If you encounter the below error while running the command rpmbuild:
rpmbuild: command not found
you may try installing the below package as per your choice of distribution:
| Distribution | Command |
|---|---|
| Debian | apt-get install rpm |
| Ubuntu | apt-get install rpm |
| Alpine | apk add rpm |
| Kali Linux | apt-get install rpm |
| CentOS | yum install rpm |
| Fedora | dnf install rpm |
| OS X | brew install rpm |
| Raspbian | apt-get install rpm |
rpmbuild Command Examples
1. Build binary and source packages:
# rpmbuild -ba path/to/spec_file
2. Build a binary package without source package:
# rpmbuild -bb path/to/spec_file
3. Specify additional variables when building a package:
# rpmbuild -bb path/to/spec_file --define "variable1 value1" --define "variable2 value2"
Summary
In conclusion, rpmbuild is a powerful tool for creating RPM packages from source code and other data. By using spec files to define the package’s metadata and build instructions, rpmbuild provides a standardized and flexible way to package and distribute software on Linux systems.