With the shift of CentOS to CentOS Stream, many users and businesses have sought reliable alternatives for a RHEL-compatible operating system. Two leading contenders quickly emerged: AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux. Both distributions aim to fill the gap left by CentOS by offering stability, long-term support, and RHEL compatibility. But how do they differ? In this article, we'll explore Rocky Linux vs AlmaLinux and help you determine whether AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux is the better fit for your needs.
The Origin of AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux
Both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux were born from the need for a reliable CentOS replacement. When Red Hat changed CentOS to a rolling-release model with CentOS Stream, developers and users alike wanted a free, stable alternative that continued to provide the features and reliability they had come to expect from CentOS.
AlmaLinux was initiated by CloudLinux, a company with years of experience providing enterprise-grade Linux solutions. CloudLinux is known for its focus on security, stability, and performance, which adds a layer of commercial backing to AlmaLinux’s development.
Rocky Linux, on the other hand, was created by Gregory Kurtzer, the original founder of CentOS. His goal was to maintain a community-driven and open-source approach, ensuring that Rocky Linux would stay true to the ideals of CentOS as a free and open operating system for everyone.
Development and Community Support
A key distinction between AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux lies in their development models.
Rocky Linux is fully community-driven, meaning that its updates, features, and future direction are guided by the community of users. This structure reflects the original spirit of CentOS, which many users appreciate. The Rocky Linux community actively contributes to the project, ensuring that it remains free from corporate influence and stays true to its open-source roots.
In contrast, AlmaLinux has a strong community element but also enjoys commercial backing from CloudLinux. This backing ensures a high level of financial support, security, and professional oversight, making AlmaLinux an attractive choice for businesses that want both community involvement and corporate stability.
Stability and Release Cycles
Both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux are designed to be 1:1 binary compatible with RHEL and follow its release cycles. This means both distributions deliver reliable and stable updates that align with Red Hat's release schedule.
However, there are slight differences in how updates are managed.
With AlmaLinux, thanks to the financial and technical support of CloudLinux, users benefit from a more structured and often faster release of security patches and updates. This makes it an ideal option for enterprise users who require timely updates for security and stability.
Rocky Linux, being community-driven, also ensures that updates and patches are provided quickly, but the release cycle may depend more heavily on community contributions and the collective effort of developers. Despite this, the Rocky Linux community has proven to be highly efficient in delivering prompt updates, making it a solid choice for those who value open-source collaboration.
Performance and Usability
In terms of performance and usability, both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux offer RHEL-level stability and efficiency. Since both distributions are essentially RHEL clones, users can expect similar performance levels, making either option suitable for server deployments, enterprise environments, or development setups.
However, the choice between AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux often boils down to preference. If you value an open-source community model free from commercial influence, Rocky Linux is likely to be your choice. It’s built to serve those who appreciate the pure, decentralized nature of open-source software.
If you prefer a more structured approach with the added benefits of commercial backing, AlmaLinux may be more appealing. With CloudLinux’s resources behind it, AlmaLinux ensures that users receive the support and stability necessary for long-term enterprise use.
Long-Term Viability and Support
Another important factor to consider is the long-term viability of both distributions.
AlmaLinux, with its commercial support, is backed by a financially stable company, ensuring that it has the resources necessary to remain a reliable option for years to come. CloudLinux’s involvement guarantees that AlmaLinux will continue to receive updates, improvements, and professional support, making it an ideal choice for businesses that require enterprise-grade stability.
Rocky Linux depends on its community of developers and users, but this is also a strength. The project is built around the idea of keeping CentOS’s legacy alive through a community-led model. As long as the community remains active, Rocky Linux will continue to evolve and stay relevant. Many users find this approach to be more in line with the spirit of open-source software, where the community drives the project forward without the need for corporate oversight.
Migration and Ease of Use
Both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux offer easy migration tools for users transitioning from CentOS. These tools are designed to make the migration process as smooth as possible, ensuring minimal disruption to workflows and system configurations.
Whether you choose AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux, you’ll find that migrating from CentOS is relatively straightforward, and both distributions provide extensive documentation to guide users through the process.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, the choice between AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux comes down to your specific needs and preferences.If you prefer a community-driven, open-source project that stays true to CentOS’s original vision, Rocky Linux is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for users who value the transparency and collaboration of a community-first model.
