tdnf
What tdnf is
tdnf is a free, open-source RPM package manager for Linux and a yum-compatible tool used as Photon OS’s package manager. It is implemented with C libraries including libsolv and libcurl, and it resolves dependencies, supports private-registry authentication, and allows offline installation. Repository settings use the .repo format familiar from dnf and yum, with the repository directory configurable in tdnf.conf. Configuration examples enable GPG checking, while package specifications include plugins for repository-metadata signature verification and metalink repositories. The project documents listing installed packages and building with CMake and make or a Docker build image. An optional package supplies systemd units for periodic upgrade downloads and application. The latest listed release is v3.6.5. tdnf requires a compatible Linux system and configured package repositories. Its listed licenses are LGPLv2.1 and GPLv2, and the plan is free.
Who it suits
tdnf suits Linux users and administrators who need an RPM, yum-compatible package manager, including Photon OS environments. It is also relevant for offline installation and private registries.
What it does well
- Free open-source RPM package manager
- Resolves package dependencies
- Supports offline installation
- Authenticates to private registries
- GPG and repository signature verification options
What to know first
- Requires a compatible Linux system
- Needs configured package repositories
- No commercial support plan stated
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| tdnf | Open-source RPM package manager · requires a compatible Linux system and configured package repositories | Free |
As github.com lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
tdnf provides core RPM package operations with dependency handling, repository controls, and optional automated upgrades. Its Linux-only requirements and repository setup should be considered before adoption.
Facts from tdnf's own pages
- Automatic upgrades
- An optional package provides systemd units that can periodically download package upgrades and apply them. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Build
- The README documents building tdnf with CMake and make, or using the provided Docker build image. · raw.githubusercontent.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Dependency resolution
- Yes · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Distributions
- The README gives Photon and Fedora as distribution choices for running its containerized test scripts. · raw.githubusercontent.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Implementation
- The project describes tdnf as a yum/dnf equivalent implemented with C libraries, including libsolv and libcurl. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Integration
- tdnf is integrated as Photon OS’s package manager, and its documentation covers package operations and repository configuration. · vmware.github.io, 11 Oct 2026
- Latest listed release
- The project’s releases page lists v3.6.5 as the latest release and describes repository and repoquery options, URL printing, and improved bash completion. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- License
- The package specification lists LGPLv2.1 and GPLv2 as the project licenses. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Offline installation
- Yes · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Package formats
- RPM · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Package operations
- The project README demonstrates using the tdnf client to list installed packages. · raw.githubusercontent.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Package verification
- The example configuration enables gpgcheck, and the package specification includes a plugin that verifies repository metadata signatures. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Private registry auth
- Yes · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Purpose
- tdnf is an open-source, yum-compatible package manager designed to preserve package-management capabilities while keeping Photon OS small. · vmware.github.io, 11 Oct 2026
- Repository setup
- tdnf reads repository configuration in the .repo format used by dnf/yum, with the repository directory configurable in tdnf.conf. · raw.githubusercontent.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Repository support
- The package specification includes a metalink plugin for repository configurations. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker’s repository provides issue tracking and contribution guidance; the pages reviewed do not state a commercial support plan. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Linux · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
Where tdnf stands on Freedom251
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