How to use the command rpm-ostree (with examples)

The rpm-ostree command is a hybrid image/package system that allows users to manage ostree deployments, package layers, filesystem overlays, and boot configuration. It is a powerful tool for maintaining system integrity and managing updates in a containerized environment.

Use case 1: Show rpm-ostree deployments in the order they will appear in the bootloader

Code:

rpm-ostree status

Motivation:

By using the rpm-ostree status command, users can get an overview of the ostree deployments on their system. This can help in understanding the current state of the system and the order in which the deployments will appear in the bootloader.

Explanation:

• rpm-ostree: The main command used to interact with the rpm-ostree system.
• status: The status subcommand used to display information about the ostree deployments.

Example output:

State: idle
Deployments:
● ostree://fedora:fedora/32/x86_64/silverblue
       Version: 32.20200719.1 (2020-07-19T00:30:18Z)
    BaseCommit: 2704f9ed8a5261c0fe9741b77b2fa14b5a4be14e10d8daa01c3d086fb87c34d6
  GPGSignature: Valid signature by 97A1AE57C3A2372C84C64B5AC7264EA8AC1E5D1C
   LayeredPackages: rpmfusion-free-release rpmfusion-nonfree-release
   LocalPackages: evolution-3.36.5-1.fc32.x86_64
                    evolution-data-server-3.36.5-1.fc32.x86_64
                    evolution-ews-3.36.5-1.fc32.x86_64

Use case 2: Show packages which are outdated and can be updated

Code:

rpm-ostree upgrade --preview

Motivation:

Regularly updating packages is crucial for maintaining system security and stability. By using the rpm-ostree upgrade --preview command, users can easily see which packages are outdated and can be updated.

Explanation:

• rpm-ostree: The main command used to interact with the rpm-ostree system.
• upgrade: The upgrade subcommand used to upgrade packages.
• --preview: An optional flag that shows packages which are outdated and can be updated.

Example output:

Transaction:
  Upgrade i386-pc/0:firefox-82.0-1.fc32.i686 -> 82.0.2-1.fc32.i686 [System]
  Upgrade i386-pc/0:firefox-82.0-1.fc32.x86_64 -> 82.0.2-1.fc32.x86_64 [System]
... (output truncated for brevity)

Use case 3: Prepare a new ostree deployment with upgraded packages and reboot into it

Code:

rpm-ostree upgrade --reboot

Motivation:

When it comes to package upgrades, it is often necessary to reboot the system for the changes to take effect. The rpm-ostree upgrade --reboot command simplifies this process by preparing a new ostree deployment with upgraded packages and automatically rebooting into it.

Explanation:

• rpm-ostree: The main command used to interact with the rpm-ostree system.
• upgrade: The upgrade subcommand used to upgrade packages.
• --reboot: An optional flag that instructs rpm-ostree to reboot the system after the upgrade is complete.

Example output: (This command triggers a reboot, so no output is shown)

Use case 4: Reboot into the previous ostree deployment

Code:

rpm-ostree rollback --reboot

Motivation:

Sometimes an upgrade may introduce unexpected issues or compatibility problems. In such cases, it is useful to be able to rollback to a previous ostree deployment. The rpm-ostree rollback --reboot command allows users to easily revert to the previous deployment and automatically reboot into it.

Explanation:

• rpm-ostree: The main command used to interact with the rpm-ostree system.
• rollback: The rollback subcommand used to revert to a previous ostree deployment.
• --reboot: An optional flag that instructs rpm-ostree to reboot the system after the rollback is complete.

Example output: (This command triggers a reboot, so no output is shown)

Use case 5: Install a package into a new ostree deployment and reboot into it

Code:

rpm-ostree install package --reboot

Motivation:

Sometimes it is necessary to install a specific package into a new ostree deployment and reboot into that deployment. The rpm-ostree install package --reboot command simplifies this process by installing the desired package and automatically rebooting into the new deployment.

Explanation:

• rpm-ostree: The main command used to interact with the rpm-ostree system.
• install: The install subcommand used to install packages.
• package: The name of the package to be installed.
• --reboot: An optional flag that instructs rpm-ostree to reboot the system after the installation is complete.

Example output: (This example assumes we are installing the example-package package)

Installing packages: example-package
Running… 100%
Finished…

Conclusion:

The rpm-ostree command is a powerful tool for managing ostree deployments, package layers, filesystem overlays, and boot configuration. With its various subcommands and options, users can easily perform tasks such as checking deployments, upgrading packages, rolling back deployments, and installing packages into new deployments. By understanding and utilizing these commands, users can effectively maintain system integrity and manage updates in a containerized environment.