RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux) is a popular operating system used in various industries. In this article, I will explore the differences between RHEL 7 and RHEL 8. As someone who has worked extensively with both versions, I can provide personal insights and commentary on the topic.
Introduction
RHEL 7 was released in 2014, while RHEL 8 made its debut in 2019. Both versions have their own unique features and improvements, catering to the evolving needs of the Linux community. Let’s dive deep into the details and understand the key differences between these two major releases.
Under the Hood
One of the significant changes in RHEL 8 is the adoption of the upstream Fedora project’s modularity concept. Modularity allows different software versions to be available in parallel, giving administrators more flexibility and control over the underlying system components. This modular approach brings enhanced software management capabilities to RHEL 8.
RHEL 7, on the other hand, follows a more traditional monolithic approach, where software versions are tightly coupled with the operating system release. While this approach has its advantages in terms of stability, it can sometimes limit the availability of the latest software versions.
User Interface and Experience
When it comes to the user interface, RHEL 8 introduces a new web-based console called Cockpit. Cockpit provides a user-friendly graphical interface for system administrators to manage and monitor their RHEL servers. It offers various features like system metrics, logs, and the ability to perform administrative tasks efficiently. This modern interface simplifies server management, especially for those who prefer a graphical approach.
In contrast, RHEL 7 provides a more traditional command-line interface, which is still widely used and appreciated by many Linux administrators. The command-line interface offers powerful and precise control over the system, making it an ideal choice for experienced users who prefer working in a terminal environment.
Container Technologies
RHEL 8 has made significant advancements in container technologies. It includes support for Docker, Kubernetes, and Red Hat’s own container runtime, Podman. These tools make it easier to develop, deploy, and manage containerized applications. RHEL 8 also provides a streamlined experience for creating and managing container images with the introduction of the Universal Base Image (UBI).
RHEL 7, on the other hand, supports Docker but lacks the built-in support for Kubernetes and Podman. While it is possible to install and configure these technologies manually, RHEL 8 offers a more seamless experience out of the box.
Conclusion
Both RHEL 7 and RHEL 8 are robust and reliable operating systems, each with its own strengths and unique features. RHEL 7 is a stable and well-established release that has been widely adopted by enterprises. On the other hand, RHEL 8 brings several exciting improvements, such as modularity, a modern web-based console, and enhanced container technologies. Ultimately, the choice between RHEL 7 and RHEL 8 depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the user or organization. It’s always recommended to carefully evaluate the features and compatibility with existing systems before making a decision.