CentOS has been a household name in the Linux world for years, known for its stability, reliability, and free availability as a downstream rebuild of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). However, with the introduction of CentOS Stream Release 8, Red Hat has taken a different approach, turning CentOS into an upstream, rolling-release distribution that acts as a preview for future RHEL updates.
This transition has sparked debate among long-time CentOS users, developers, and businesses that depended on the traditional CentOS model. In this article, we will explore what CentOS Stream 8 is, its features, advantages, and drawbacks, and whether it’s the right choice for your needs.
What is CentOS Stream?
CentOS Stream is a rolling-release Linux distribution that exists between Centos Stream Release 8Fedora (a bleeding-edge Linux distribution) and RHEL (a stable, enterprise-grade OS). Previously, CentOS was a downstream clone of RHEL, meaning it received updates only after they were thoroughly tested and implemented in RHEL.
With CentOS Stream, the process has changed:
It now serves as an upstream release, meaning updates appear in CentOS Stream before they are included in RHEL.
It provides a continuous stream of updates, rather than waiting for a major release.
It is designed to be a collaborative platform where developers and businesses can test upcoming RHEL features before they reach production.
This change has made CentOS Stream a development branch of RHEL rather than the stable, long-term support version that users were accustomed to.
Why Did Red Hat Introduce CentOS Stream?
The decision to transition from CentOS Linux to CentOS Stream was met with mixed reactions, but Red Hat justified this move with several reasons:
Faster Development and Feedback Loop – Since CentOS Stream acts as a preview for RHEL, Red Hat can get feedback earlier, allowing for better refinement before official RHEL releases.
More Transparency in RHEL Development – Users and developers can now see what’s coming in RHEL and prepare accordingly.
Better Collaboration with the Community – CentOS Stream allows users to contribute more actively, which Red Hat claims will make RHEL more robust and adaptable.
While Red Hat’s goals make sense from a development perspective, many businesses and long-time CentOS users found this shift problematic.
Key Features of CentOS Stream 8
1. Rolling-Release Model
Unlike traditional CentOS, which had fixed versions and long-term stability, CentOS Stream is continuously updated with new features, security patches, and enhancements before they land in RHEL.
2. Early Access to RHEL Updates
Since CentOS Stream is upstream of RHEL, users can test upcoming updates and adapt their applications and systems accordingly.
3. Active Community Involvement
CentOS Stream 8 encourages community contributions to RHEL development, allowing businesses and developers to participate in shaping future enterprise Linux updates.
4. Strong Integration with the RHEL Ecosystem
CentOS Stream 8 is tightly integrated with RHEL, making it a good testing ground for companies that rely on RHEL for production.
5. Continuous Security and Performance Improvements
The rolling-update model ensures that security patches and performance improvements arrive faster, reducing vulnerabilities compared to traditional CentOS releases.
Benefits of CentOS Stream 8
Despite the controversy, CentOS Stream 8 offers several advantages:
1. Cutting-Edge Features
Users get access to the latest RHEL features before they are officially released, making it great for testing, development, and innovation.
2. More Frequent Updates
Security patches, performance improvements, and bug fixes arrive faster than with the old CentOS model.
3. Ideal for Developers and Testing Environments
If your organization needs to test applications against future RHEL versions, CentOS Stream is a valuable tool for preparing ahead of time.
4. Open Collaboration with Red Hat
The open-source community has a bigger role in shaping the future of RHEL by contributing directly to CentOS Stream.
Challenges and Concerns with CentOS Stream 8
While CentOS Stream 8 brings several benefits, it also introduces some serious concerns:
1. Lack of Stability for Production Environments
The rolling-release nature means CentOS Stream 8 is not as stable as previous CentOS versions. Businesses running mission-critical applications may find this unpredictable.
2. No Longer a 1:1 RHEL Clone
For years, CentOS was a drop-in replacement for RHEL. That is no longer the case, which forces businesses to rethink their infrastructure strategy.
3. Forced Migration to Other Options
Since Red Hat discontinued traditional CentOS, many organizations have migrated to alternatives such as:
Rocky Linux (led by CentOS founder Gregory Kurtzer)
AlmaLinux (backed by CloudLinux)
Oracle Linux (RHEL-compatible, but with Oracle’s support)
4. Uncertainty About Future Enterprise Adoption
While CentOS Stream 8 is a good development platform, its adoption as a server OS for enterprises remains uncertain. Many organizations still prefer stable, long-term support distributions.
Who Should Use CentOS Stream 8?
CentOS Stream 8 is best suited for:
Developers and Testers – Those who need to test applications on the next RHEL release.
System Administrators and Enthusiasts – Users who want to experiment with the latest enterprise Linux features.
Organizations Using RHEL – Businesses that rely on RHEL and want early insight into upcoming updates.
However, if you need a stable, predictable server OS, you might be better off with Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux, or even RHEL itself.
Final Thoughts
CentOS Stream Release 8 marks a major shift in the CentOS landscape. While it offers Centos Stream Release 8 faster updates, better collaboration with Red Hat, and early access to RHEL features, it lacks the stability of traditional CentOS, making it less suitable for production environments.
For businesses and users who relied on the old CentOS model, alternatives like Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux provide a better solution. However, if you’re a developer, tester, or an enterprise wanting to stay ahead of RHEL updates, CentOS Stream 8 could be a powerful tool in your workflow.
At the end of the day, whether CentOS Stream 8 is right for you depends on your needs. Do you want stability or early access to the latest features? Your answer will determine the best path forward.
