Learn to inspect installed RPM packages with practical commands and examples. 16.11.2025 | reading time: 2 min Want to know which RPM packages live on a system and why that matters? Use the `rpm` command to list installed packages, verify details and track recent changes so you can troubleshoot, audit or prepare updates. Real-world example Try this session: list everything with ```rpm -qa``` output: ```openssh-7.9p1-10.fc30.x86_64 vim-8.0.1763-10.fc30.x86_64 bash-5.0.17-1.fc30.x86_64``` then find openssh with ```rpm -qa | grep openssh``` output: ```openssh-7.9p1-10.fc30.x86_64``` and show package info with ```rpm -qi openssh-7.9p1-10.fc30.x86_64``` output: ```Name : openssh Version : 7.9p1 Release : 10.fc30```. Options worth mastering Learn a few powerful flags: `-q` queries, `-qa` lists all installed, `-qi` shows package metadata, `-ql` lists files from a package, `-qf` finds which package owns a file, `--last` shows installation order and `-V` verifies package integrity; combine with pipes and `grep` to zero in fast. Ecosystem tools On modern RPM-based systems you will often use `dnf` or `yum` to list installed packages with higher-level output and dependency info, `repoquery` for repository queries, and the RPM database under `/var/lib/rpm` for recovery or programmatic inspection. Where to go next Listing installed packages is a foundational skill; next, practice verifying and querying files, comparing versions across hosts and scripting reports so maintenance becomes routine; consider deepening skills with certification prep such as CompTIA Linux+ or LPIC-1 at bitsandbytes.academy for structured exam readiness. Join Bits & Bytes Academy First class LINUX exam preparation. utilities troubleshooting scripting
