SRC.RPM File – What is .src.rpm file and how to open it?

Definition of a SRC.RPM File

A SRC.RPM file is a source package that contains the source code, build scripts, and other necessary files for compiling and installing software on a Red Hat Linux system. It is similar to a .TAR.GZ file but is specifically designed for use with the Red Hat Package Manager (RPM). The SRC.RPM file is primarily used for distributing software that is not available in binary format or for customizations.

Key Features and Benefits of SRC.RPM Files

SRC.RPM files offer several advantages:

• Flexibility: They allow users to customize and modify software before installation, ensuring compatibility with their specific system configurations.
• Build Verification: The build scripts included in the SRC.RPM file verify that the software can be successfully compiled and installed on the target system.
• Dependency Resolution: The package manager resolves dependencies automatically, making it convenient to install all the required packages for the software to function properly.
• Reproducibility: SRC.RPM files enable users to rebuild the software from source, ensuring reproducibility of the installation process and maintaining a consistent software environment.

Understanding SRC.RPM Files

SRC.RPM files are source files for RPM (Red Hat Package Manager) packages. They contain the original source code and build instructions for the particular software package. Unlike RPM files, which are binary packages ready for installation, SRC.RPM files allow users to build the software package from source. This provides flexibility, as users can customize the build process and make modifications to the software before installation.

Opening SRC.RPM Files

SRC.RPM files can be opened using specialized tools or command-line utilities. One commonly used tool is rpmbuild, which is part of the RPM package manager suite. To open a SRC.RPM file using rpmbuild, use the following command:


rpmbuild -bp <SRC.RPM file name>


This command will extract the source code from the SRC.RPM file and create a directory containing the source files. The source code can then be modified, compiled, and installed using the appropriate commands.

Alternatively, users can use the rpm2cpio utility to extract the contents of a SRC.RPM file into a directory. The extracted directory will contain the source code and build instructions.

SRC.RPM File Format

SRC.RPM files are source packages used by Red Hat Package Manager (RPM) to build software packages. They contain the source code, build scripts, and other necessary files for building the software. The source code is typically written in a programming language such as C, C++, or Java, and the build scripts automate the process of compiling and packaging the software. SRC.RPM files are often used to distribute open-source software, as they allow users to customize and modify the software before building it.

Installation and Usage

SRC.RPM files are installed using the RPM command-line utility. They are typically installed on systems that have the necessary development tools and libraries installed, as they require the compilation of source code. Once installed, the source package can be used to build the software by running the build scripts. The build process typically involves extracting the source code from the SRC.RPM file, compiling it, and packaging it into a binary RPM file. Binary RPM files can then be installed on systems that do not have the necessary development tools and libraries installed.

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