Install Bash 5 on Centos 7 with Efficient Steps – OrcaCore

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing Install Bash 5 on Centos 7. Bash (Bourne Again Shell) is the free and enhanced version of the Bourne shell distributed with Linux and GNU operating systems. Bash is similar to the original, but has added features such as command-line editing.

Upgrading to Bash 5 on CentOS 7 can enhance your system’s capabilities. You can now follow the guide steps below on the Orcacore website to complete this guide. Our focus is on providing you with efficient steps to get the latest version of Bash running on your CentOS 7 system. Let’s delve into how to Install Bash 5 on Centos 7.

To install the latest Bash, you need to log in to your server as a non-root user with sudo privileges. To do this, you can follow our guide on Initial Server Setup with Centos 7.

1. Check Centos 7 Bash Version

The first step is to check your Centos 7 Bash Version. To do this, you can use the command below:

bash --version

In your output you will see:

2. Install the Latest Stable Bash on Centos 7

At this point, you can follow the steps below to install the latest Bash.

First, you need to update your local package index with the following command:

sudo yum update -y

If you have kernel updates, reboot your OS:

sudo reboot

Install Development Tools

When you are logged in back to your server, use the following command to install the development packages on Centos 7:

sudo yum -y groupinstall "Development Tools"

Download Latest Bash

At this point, you need to visit the Bash Release page and get the latest release of it by using the curl command:

sudo curl -O https://ftp.gnu.org/gnu/bash/bash-5.2.15.tar.gz

When your download is completed, extract your file with the following command:

sudo tar xvf bash-5.*.tar.gz

Then, switch to your Bash directory:

cd bash-5.*/

Compile and Build Bash 5.x

At this point, you need to run the configure command from your Bash directory:

sudo ./configure

Then, install Bash by using the commands below:

# sudo make
# sudo make install

When it is completed, logout from your session by using the command below:

logout

Finally, log in to your server again and verify your new Bash version on Centos 7:

bash --version

In your output, you should see:

You can now build any application that requires a Bash version higher than 4.2. Install Bash 5 on Centos 7 successfully!

Conclusion

Bash is a widely used command-line shell and scripting language for Unix-based operating systems, including CentOS 7. It allows users to interact with the system, execute commands, automate tasks, and write shell scripts. At this point, you have learned to Set up or Install the Latest Bash which is Bash 5 on Centos 7.

Hope you enjoy it. You may also like these articles:

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FAQs

Alternative Solutions for Installing Bash 5 on CentOS 7

While the above method of compiling from source is a reliable way to Install Bash 5 on Centos 7, it can be a bit involved. Here are two alternative approaches, along with their explanations and, where applicable, code examples:

1. Using Software Collections (SCL)

Software Collections (SCL) allow you to install multiple versions of software on the same system without conflicts. This is a safer method compared to directly replacing the system’s default Bash, as it provides an isolated environment for the newer Bash version. While no official SCL for Bash 5 may exist, this method can be adapted to utilize existing SCLs or to create your own custom SCL.

Explanation:

SCLs work by creating a separate directory structure (typically under /opt/rh/) where the software and its dependencies are installed. Environment variables are then modified when you activate the SCL, allowing you to use the software without affecting the system’s base installation.

Steps (Illustrative Example):

1. Install the centos-release-scl package: This provides the necessary tools for using SCLs.

   sudo yum install centos-release-scl

2. Check for existing Bash SCLs (Highly unlikely, but worth checking):

   yum search bash scl

   If an SCL for Bash 5 does exist (unlikely), install it:

   sudo yum install rh-bash5-<package_name>

   Replace <package_name> with the actual package name if found.

3. If no Bash 5 SCL exists (most probable): You would ideally create your own SCL package. This involves creating a spec file, building the RPM, and setting up the SCL environment. This is beyond the scope of a simple alternative installation method. However, you could adapt an existing SCL (like one for a newer version of Python) and manually install Bash into that SCL’s directory structure. This is a complex and potentially risky approach and is not recommended unless you are very familiar with SCL packaging.

4. Activate the SCL (If you managed to install an SCL):

   scl enable rh-bash5 bash

   Replace rh-bash5 with the actual name of your SCL. This command modifies your environment to use the Bash version within the SCL.

5. Verify the Bash version:

   bash --version

   You should see the Bash 5 version number. When you exit the shell or run scl disable rh-bash5, your environment will revert to the system’s default Bash.

Caveats:

• Creating a custom SCL is a complex process.
• This method relies on finding or creating a suitable SCL package.
• If you manually install Bash into an SCL’s directory structure, ensure you configure the environment correctly.

2. Using a Container (Docker)

Another approach is to run Bash 5 within a container using Docker. This completely isolates the Bash 5 environment from your CentOS 7 system, preventing any potential conflicts.

Explanation:

Docker containers provide a lightweight, isolated environment for running applications. You can create a Docker image based on a CentOS or other Linux distribution that includes Bash 5. Then, you can run a container from that image and interact with Bash 5 within the container.

Steps:

1. Install Docker: If Docker is not already installed, install it using yum.

   sudo yum install docker
   sudo systemctl start docker
   sudo systemctl enable docker

2. Create a Dockerfile: Create a file named Dockerfile with the following content (adjust as needed):

   FROM centos:7
   
   RUN yum update -y
   RUN yum install -y wget tar gcc make
   
   RUN wget https://ftp.gnu.org/gnu/bash/bash-5.2.15.tar.gz
   RUN tar xvf bash-5.2.15.tar.gz
   WORKDIR bash-5.2.15
   RUN ./configure
   RUN make
   RUN make install
   
   ENV PATH="/usr/local/bin:${PATH}" # Make sure Bash 5 is in the path
   RUN rm -rf /var/cache/yum/*
   
   CMD ["/usr/local/bin/bash"]

   This Dockerfile:

   • Starts from a CentOS 7 base image.
   • Updates the system.
   • Installs necessary build tools (wget, tar, gcc, make).
   • Downloads, extracts, compiles, and installs Bash 5.
   • Modifies the PATH environment variable to prioritize Bash 5.
   • Cleans up the yum cache.
   • Sets the default command to run Bash 5.

3. Build the Docker image:

   sudo docker build -t bash5-centos7 .

   This command builds a Docker image named bash5-centos7 from the Dockerfile in the current directory.

4. Run the Docker container:

   sudo docker run -it bash5-centos7

   This command runs a container from the bash5-centos7 image in interactive mode. You will be dropped into a Bash 5 shell within the container.

5. Verify the Bash version:

   bash --version

   You should see the Bash 5 version number.

Caveats:

• Requires Docker to be installed.
• You are working within a containerized environment, not directly on your CentOS 7 system.
• File sharing between the host system and the container might require additional configuration (using Docker volumes).

These alternative methods provide different ways to Install Bash 5 on Centos 7 while minimizing the risk to your core system. The Docker container method is arguably the safest and easiest to revert. However, the original compilation from source, while more involved, provides a direct upgrade path if needed. Choose the method that best suits your needs and technical comfort level.