RPM packages

Linux packages are RPMs, which have the following characteristics:

  • RPMs are both uploaded and installed as a unit so there is no distinction between container and installable packages.
  • RPMs are versioned.

RPM metadata

SA uses the metadata contained in RPMs when creating the package entries in the list of packages. An RPM contains the following metadata - the name, epoch, version, architecture and release of the RPM.

When a user uploads an RPM, SA performs the following actions:

  • Opens the RPM and parses its metadata.
  • Registers the RPM as an installable package.

When you upload a Linux RPM package to SA, the policies related to that RPM may be updated. See Set installation and update options for a RPM for more information.