CentOS Stream 9 represents a milestone in the evolution of the CentOS ecosystem, bringing a more dynamic and interactive approach to the development of corporate Linux-based operating systems. It is directly connected to the development of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), functioning as a “rolling preview” of updates and changes that will be included in future RHEL versions. Below, we explore the new features of CentOS Stream 9 and compare it with previous versions, such as CentOS Linux 8 and CentOS Stream 8.
What is CentOS Stream
The CentOS Stream is a Linux distribution that serves as the continuous development base for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It adopts the rolling-release model, offering early access to updates and changes that will compose future stable versions of RHEL. Unlike the old CentOS Linux, Stream allows the community to collaborate directly with the Red Hat ecosystem, functioning as a bridge between Fedora and RHEL, ideal for those looking to keep up with innovations and contribute to corporate development.
New features of CentOS Stream 9
Based on RHEL 9
CentOS Stream 9 is based on the RHEL 9 code, which in turn aligns with Fedora 34. This means it adopts more recent versions of the kernel, libraries, and software, keeping up to date with the advancements of the free software community and corporate needs. The kernel used is 5.14, bringing significant improvements in security, performance, and support for modern hardware.
Rolling-Release Approach
Unlike traditional CentOS Linux, which followed a fixed update model based on stable RHEL versions, CentOS Stream is a rolling-release distribution, where updates are continuous. This change allows developers and system administrators to have early access to new features and contribute to the development of RHEL.
Focus on Community Contribution
With Stream, the community plays a more active role in the RHEL development cycle. Developers can test, validate, and even suggest improvements before changes are incorporated into RHEL, creating a bidirectional flow of collaboration.
Improvements in Containerization Support
CentOS Stream 9 comes with enhanced native support for technologies such as Podman, Buildah, and Skopeo, strengthening its position as a base for containerization environments and cloud applications.
Updated Tools
Among the notable packages, we have:
- Python 3.9 as standard.
- GCC 11, with performance improvements and support for new architectures.
- OpenSSL 3.0, offering improvements in security and compliance with modern standards.
- glibc 2.34, which improves the performance of applications and libraries.
Robust Security
SELinux in CentOS Stream 9 continues to be a priority, with new modules and policies adjusted to keep up with current challenges. Additionally, there is native support for technologies such as Integrity Measurement Architecture (IMA), which ensures the integrity of critical systems.
Comparison with previous versions
| Aspect | CentOS Linux 8 | CentOS Stream 8 | CentOS Stream 9 |
| Base | RHEL 8.x | Pre-RHEL 8.x | Pre-RHEL 9.x |
| Update Model | Stable (fixed) | Rolling-release | Rolling-release |
| Kernel | 4.18 | 4.18 | 5.14 |
| Community Contribution | Limited | Moderate | High |
| Container Technologies | Basic Support | Enhanced | Advanced (Podman, Skopeo) |
| Languages and Tools | Python 3.6, GCC 8 | Python 3.6, GCC 8 | Python 3.9, GCC 11 |
| Security | SELinux, OpenSSL 1.1.1 | SELinux, OpenSSL 1.1.1 | SELinux, OpenSSL 3.0 |
Why use CentOS Stream 9
- Modern Development Environments: Ideal for companies that want to closely follow the development of RHEL and need an environment that evolves quickly.
- Preparation for the Future: Allows organizations to plan the adoption of future RHEL versions, testing changes in advance.
- Contribution to the RHEL Ecosystem: Offers the opportunity to contribute to one of the most widely used operating systems in the corporate world.
Final considerations
CentOS Stream 9 redefines the role of CentOS in the Linux ecosystem. With the transition from the static model to the rolling-release model, Red Hat and the community offer a more interactive, up-to-date operating system aligned with the needs of the modern market. However, this change also requires adaptation from system administrators, especially regarding the management of frequent updates.
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