Overview
The rpm.versions system is responsible for managing a significant number of packages on your cPanel & WHM server.
This system manages various package types, including:
- cPanel-provided packages.
- Third-party software packages.
- Custom packages that system administrators choose to install.
Important:
It is crucial to note that the rpm.versions system does not manage packages for your operating system's distribution. To install these packages, utilize WHM’s Install Distro Packages interface (WHM » Home » Software » Install Distro Packages). To modify how your server handles updates for these packages, refer to the Operating System Package Updates section within WHM’s Update Preferences interface (WHM » Home » Server Configuration » Update Preferences).
What is an RPM?
RPMs (Red Hat Package Managers) are packages utilized for installing software on Red Hat-based servers. Each RPM contains the compiled code for a specific package on your system.
For further details on RPMs, please visit the RPM website.
What is a source package?
Source packages (SRPMs) contain the uncompiled source code for each package on your system. Unlike RPMs, source packages are not compiled. For more detailed information, consult our The rpm.versions File documentation.
Files
The rpm.versions system manages packages by interpreting settings found in several YAML configuration files on your server. These files are processed according to the following priority, from highest to lowest:
- The
/var/cpanel/rpm.versions.d/local.versionsfile contains settings defined locally by system administrators. These local settings take precedence over all other rpm.versions system configurations on the server. - Third-party developers can create additional
.versionsfiles within the/var/cpanel/rpm.versions.d/directory, which supersede the cPanel-provided default settings. - The
/usr/local/cpanel/etc/rpm.versionsfile contains cPanel-provided settings, tailored to your server’s specific cPanel & WHM version. All local.versionsfiles will override these default settings.
For comprehensive details, please refer to our The rpm.versions File, Target Settings, and How to Override the rpm.versions System documentation.
Warning:
It is strongly advised not to modify the
/usr/local/cpanel/etc/rpm.versionsfile under any circumstances.
Customization Options
Beyond overriding existing server settings, you have the flexibility to create and install your own custom packages, and to modify the package installation process. Should you wish to modify and replace cPanel-provided packages, please consult our How to Build and Install Custom RPMs on Red Hat Systems documentation.
