CentOS Stream 10 Released

The release of CentOS Stream 10, codenamed “Coughlan,” marks a significant milestone in the Enterprise Linux ecosystem. This latest iteration of the popular Linux distribution brings a host of new features, improvements, and changes that are set to shape the future of enterprise computing. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of CentOS Stream 10, its implications for businesses and developers, and what you need to know to make the most of this powerful new release.

Introduction

CentOS Stream 10 represents the cutting edge of Enterprise Linux development, offering a glimpse into the future of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) while providing a stable and reliable platform for organizations and developers alike. Released on December 1, 2024, this latest version comes with a commitment to support until 2030, ensuring long-term stability for adopters.

As we delve into the details of CentOS Stream 10, it’s important to understand its place in the Linux landscape and the significant changes it brings to the table. From core system components to development tools and enterprise considerations, this release is packed with features that cater to a wide range of users and use cases.

Understanding CentOS Stream

Before we dive into the specifics of CentOS Stream 10, let’s take a moment to understand what CentOS Stream is and its role in the Enterprise Linux ecosystem.

CentOS Stream is a rolling-release Linux distribution that serves as the upstream development platform for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It sits between Fedora, which is the cutting-edge community distribution, and RHEL, the stable enterprise-grade operating system. This positioning allows CentOS Stream to provide a preview of upcoming RHEL features while maintaining a level of stability suitable for production environments.

The key characteristics of CentOS Stream include:

A continuous flow of minor updates and bug fixes
Early access to features that will eventually appear in RHEL
A five-year lifecycle commitment, ensuring long-term support
Active community involvement in the development process

CentOS Stream 10 builds upon this foundation, offering an even more robust and feature-rich experience for users who want to stay ahead of the curve in Enterprise Linux development.

Key Technical Features

CentOS Stream 10 brings a wealth of technical improvements and new features that enhance its performance, security, and functionality. Let’s explore some of the most significant changes in this release.

Kernel and Core Components

At the heart of CentOS Stream 10 lies the Linux kernel 6.12 LTS (Long Term Support). This kernel version introduces numerous improvements in areas such as hardware support, performance optimization, and security enhancements. Users can expect better compatibility with the latest hardware and improved system responsiveness.

Package management has also seen significant updates:

DNF 4.20: The latest version of the Dandified Yum package manager brings faster dependency resolution and improved handling of large repositories.
RPM 4.19: This update to the RPM Package Manager includes enhanced security features and better support for modern packaging practices.

One of the most notable changes in CentOS Stream 10 is the adoption of Wayland as the default display server. This move away from X11 promises improved graphics performance, better security, and a more modern display architecture. However, for those who still require X11 compatibility, XWayland is included to ensure a smooth transition.

Programming Languages and Development Tools

Developers will find a rich set of updated tools and programming languages in CentOS Stream 10:

GCC 14: The latest version of the GNU Compiler Collection offers improved optimization capabilities and support for newer C++ standards.
Python 3.12: This update brings performance improvements and new language features to enhance developer productivity.
Rust 1.82: The inclusion of Rust reflects its growing importance in system-level programming and security-critical applications.
Go 1.23: Go developers will appreciate the performance enhancements and new features in this version.
Node.js 22: The latest LTS version of Node.js is included, providing a stable platform for server-side JavaScript development.

These updates ensure that CentOS Stream 10 remains a cutting-edge platform for software development across various domains.

Database and Server Components

Enterprise users will find several important updates to database and server components:

Valkey 7.2: This new in-memory data structure store replaces Redis, offering improved performance and scalability.
MySQL 8.4: The latest version of the popular relational database management system includes enhancements in areas such as performance, security, and manageability.
MariaDB 10.11: This community-developed fork of MySQL brings its own set of improvements and features.
PostgreSQL 16: Known for its reliability and robust feature set, the latest PostgreSQL version offers enhanced performance and new capabilities for complex queries.

These database options provide administrators with powerful tools to manage and process data efficiently in enterprise environments.

Desktop Environment Changes

CentOS Stream 10 introduces significant changes to the desktop environment, aiming to provide a more modern and streamlined user experience.

GNOME 47 “Denver”

The default desktop environment in CentOS Stream 10 is GNOME 47, codenamed “Denver.” This latest version of GNOME brings a host of improvements:

Refined user interface with better touch and gesture support
Improved performance and reduced resource usage
Enhanced accessibility features
Better integration with Flatpak applications

Transition to Flatpak Applications

CentOS Stream 10 embraces Flatpak as the preferred method for distributing desktop applications. This shift offers several advantages:

Improved security through sandboxing
Easier application updates independent of the base system
Consistent application behavior across different Linux distributions

To facilitate this transition, many traditional desktop applications have been removed from the base system and are now available as Flatpaks. Users can easily install these applications through the GNOME Software Center or the command line.

XWayland Compatibility Layer

While Wayland is the default display server, CentOS Stream 10 includes XWayland to ensure compatibility with applications that still require X11. This compatibility layer allows most legacy applications to run seamlessly on the new system, easing the transition for users and organizations with existing X11-dependent workflows.

Architecture Support

CentOS Stream 10 continues to support a wide range of hardware architectures, catering to diverse enterprise needs:

AMD/Intel 64-bit (x86_64_v3): This includes support for modern x86-64 processors with advanced instruction set extensions.
ARM 64-bit (ARMv8.0-A): Enabling CentOS Stream 10 to run on a variety of ARM-based servers and embedded devices.
IBM Power (POWER9): Supporting IBM’s POWER9 processors, which are commonly used in high-performance computing environments.
IBM system Z (z14): Catering to mainframe environments with support for IBM’s z14 and newer mainframe systems.

This broad architecture support ensures that CentOS Stream 10 can be deployed across a wide range of hardware platforms, from embedded devices to enterprise servers and mainframes.

Enterprise Considerations

While CentOS Stream 10 offers exciting new features and capabilities, enterprise users should carefully consider several factors before adopting it in production environments.

Production Use Considerations

CentOS Stream is designed to be a preview of future RHEL releases, which means it may not be suitable for all production workloads. Organizations should assess their risk tolerance and specific use cases before deploying CentOS Stream 10 in critical environments. For mission-critical systems that require maximum stability, RHEL or other LTS distributions might be more appropriate.

Migration Strategies

For organizations considering a move to CentOS Stream 10, developing a comprehensive migration strategy is crucial. This should include:

Thorough testing of all applications and workflows in a non-production environment
Identifying and addressing any compatibility issues with existing software
Training IT staff on new features and potential changes in system administration
Creating a rollback plan in case of unforeseen issues

RHEL Preview Capabilities

One of the key advantages of CentOS Stream 10 is its ability to provide a preview of upcoming RHEL features. This can be particularly valuable for organizations that want to:

Prepare for future RHEL releases
Contribute to the development of Enterprise Linux
Test applications against upcoming RHEL versions

By using CentOS Stream 10, enterprises can stay ahead of the curve and ensure their systems and applications are ready for future RHEL releases.

Security Implications

Security is a top priority in CentOS Stream 10, with numerous enhancements and features designed to protect systems and data. However, users should be aware that as a rolling release, security updates may be introduced more frequently than in traditional point releases. This requires a more proactive approach to system management and security patching.

Key security features in CentOS Stream 10 include:

Enhanced SELinux policies for improved system hardening
Integration of security-focused programming languages like Rust
Improved cryptographic libraries and protocols
Regular security updates and CVE fixes

Organizations should establish robust security policies and procedures to take full advantage of these features and maintain a secure environment.

EPEL 10 Integration

The Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux (EPEL) repository plays a crucial role in extending the functionality of CentOS Stream 10. EPEL 10, designed to complement CentOS Stream 10, brings a vast array of additional software packages that are not included in the base distribution.

Repository Structure

EPEL 10 maintains a structure similar to previous versions, with separate repositories for different architectures and package types. The main components include:

epel: The primary repository containing most packages
epel-testing: A repository for packages that are still undergoing testing
epel-modular: Modular packages that can be installed alongside different versions of applications

Package Availability

EPEL 10 provides access to thousands of additional packages, including:

Development tools and libraries
Monitoring and management utilities
Multimedia applications
Scientific and numerical computing software

These packages significantly expand the capabilities of CentOS Stream 10, making it suitable for a wide range of specialized use cases.

Minor Version Repositories

To maintain compatibility with specific CentOS Stream 10 minor releases, EPEL 10 includes separate repositories for each minor version. This ensures that packages are built against the appropriate system libraries and dependencies, reducing the risk of compatibility issues.

Future Roadmap

Understanding the future direction of CentOS Stream 10 is crucial for organizations planning long-term deployments. Here’s what we know about the roadmap:

Relationship with RHEL 10

CentOS Stream 10 will continue to serve as the development platform for the upcoming Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10. This means that features and changes introduced in CentOS Stream 10 will likely make their way into RHEL 10, albeit with additional testing and refinement.

Development Timeline

The development of CentOS Stream 10 is ongoing, with regular updates and improvements expected throughout its lifecycle. Major updates are typically released on a quarterly basis, with minor updates and security patches released more frequently.

Community Involvement Opportunities

The CentOS Stream project actively encourages community participation in its development. Users and organizations can contribute in various ways:

Reporting bugs and submitting feature requests
Contributing code and documentation
Participating in testing and quality assurance efforts
Engaging in discussions on mailing lists and forums

This community involvement helps shape the future of CentOS Stream and, by extension, Enterprise Linux as a whole.

Conclusion

CentOS Stream 10 represents a significant step forward in the evolution of Enterprise Linux. With its cutting-edge features, improved performance, and focus on developer productivity, it offers a compelling platform for organizations looking to stay ahead in the rapidly changing world of IT.

The release’s impact on the Enterprise Linux ecosystem cannot be overstated. By providing a preview of future RHEL features and fostering community involvement, CentOS Stream 10 is helping to drive innovation and improvement across the entire Linux landscape.

For organizations considering adoption, careful evaluation of the benefits and potential challenges is crucial. While CentOS Stream 10 offers exciting new capabilities, it may not be suitable for all production environments. However, for those willing to embrace its rolling release model and contribute to its development, CentOS Stream 10 provides an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of Enterprise Linux.

As we look to the future, CentOS Stream 10 stands as a testament to the power of open-source collaboration and the ongoing evolution of Linux in the enterprise space. Whether you’re a developer, system administrator, or IT decision-maker, CentOS Stream 10 offers a wealth of possibilities to explore and leverage in your journey towards a more efficient, secure, and innovative IT infrastructure.

VPS Manage Service Offer

If you don’t have time to do all of this stuff, or if this is not your area of expertise, we offer a service to do “VPS Manage Service Offer”, starting from $10 (Paypal payment). Please contact us to get the best deal!