linux - RPM Vs Tar based Installation

Question

My knowledge on Linux administration is limited and hence wanted to check here about the pros and cons of installing any RHEL/CentOS Linux software using rpm packages over installing through tar/zip files.

Thanks

Answer 1

a non-exhaustive list of pros and contras:

rpm

• intelligent dependency managment
• conflict checking
• allow easy and clean uninstall
• allow for upgrades / downgrades
• list all files owned by a package
• a central database with all packages installed, which files they own, their interdependencies

from source

• you choose yourself all compiler flags
• you can choose a custom installation path