CentOS and AlmaLinux are two Linux distributions that share a common lineage and are designed to be binary-compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). However, there are some key differences between the two distributions that can impact users in various ways.
One of the main differences between CentOS and AlmaLinux is their development and support model. CentOS was initially developed and maintained by the CentOS Project, a community-driven effort to provide a free and open-source alternative to RHEL. However, as mentioned earlier, Red Hat recently announced that it was shifting its focus to CentOS Stream and would no longer provide support for CentOS 8. As a result, CentOS users are now encouraged to migrate to CentOS Stream or to RHEL, which is a commercial product.
On the other hand, AlmaLinux is a community-led project that was launched in response to the changes in the CentOS development and support model. It is designed to be a drop-in replacement for CentOS, offering the same binary compatibility with RHEL and long-term support. However, unlike CentOS, AlmaLinux is not sponsored or supported by a commercial entity like Red Hat.
Another difference between CentOS and AlmaLinux is their release schedules. CentOS traditionally followed a fixed release schedule, with major updates and security patches being released on a regular basis. In contrast, AlmaLinux is a rolling release distribution, which means that updates and new features are released continuously as they become available. This can be beneficial for users who want access to the latest features and updates without having to wait for a major release.
Finally, there may be differences in the available software packages and repositories between CentOS and AlmaLinux. While both distributions are designed to be binary-compatible with RHEL, there may be differences in the package versions and availability, depending on the specific needs of the user.
Overall, the differences between CentOS and AlmaLinux are mainly in their development and support models, release schedules, and potentially in the available software packages and repositories. These differences can impact users in different ways depending on their specific needs and use cases.