In Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and other systems that use the RPM Package Manager (RPM), packages can be either relocatable or non-relocatable.
Relocatable packages are designed to be installed in different locations on the system, depending on the user's preference. These packages contain files that can be installed in any location, and the installation process adjusts the file paths and other references to the actual installation location. Relocatable packages are typically used for software that does not have strict requirements on the installation location, such as libraries or utilities.
Non-relocatable packages, on the other hand, are designed to be installed in a specific location on the system. These packages contain files that must be installed in a particular location, and the installation process does not adjust the file paths or other references. Non-relocatable packages are typically used for software that has strict requirements on the installation location, such as system services or applications.
When installing a package, you can use the rpm command with the --prefix option to specify the installation location for a relocatable package. For example:
rpm -i --prefix=/usr/local package.rpm
This will install the package in the /usr/local directory, adjusting the file paths and other references to the actual installation location.
By understanding the differences between relocatable and non-relocatable packages, you can choose the appropriate package for your system and install it in the desired location. It's always a good idea to carefully review the documentation and use the appropriate commands to install packages on your system. This will help ensure that the packages are installed correctly and that your system is properly configured.