Install TYPO3 on Rocky Linux – Complete Setup Guide

Published on : 22 May 2025

Sanjay Chauhan

TYPO3 Install

Install TYPO3 on Rocky Linux – Complete Setup Guide

Are you looking to install TYPO3 on a rock-solid, enterprise-grade Linux distribution — without the overhead of commercial licensing? If you're aiming for long-term stability, security, and high compatibility for your TYPO3 project, Rocky Linux 9 is one of the best choices out there.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll help developers, system administrators, and TYPO3 enthusiasts confidently install TYPO3 CMS on Rocky Linux 9 — without the usual guesswork.

Wait ! Before moving further, are you considering launching or hosting your TYPO3 site on another platform? We recommend checking out our TYPO3 Installation Series below for step-by-step guides on various platforms.

Let’s dive in and build a powerful, secure TYPO3 environment — the right way — on Rocky Linux 9.

What is Rocky Linux?

Rocky Linux is a free, open-source, and community enterprise operating system intended as a 1:1 compatible replacement for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It was created by the Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation (RESF) as a reaction to the end of CentOS Linux.

What is TYPO3?

TYPO3 is a free, open-source Content Management System (CMS) built to help businesses and organizations create, manage, and grow their websites. It was founded in 1997 by Kasper Skårhøj and has since become one of the most popular CMS platforms—especially across Europe.

TYPO3 is written in PHP and uses TypoScript, a powerful configuration language that allows for advanced customization and flexibility. You don’t need any special software—TYPO3 runs in your browser and outputs content using standard HTML and JavaScript.

Whether you’re running a small business site, a university portal, or a large enterprise website, TYPO3 can scale to fit your needs.

Imagine an enterprise CMS that evolves as your project grows—without piling on complexity. That’s TYPO3 for you! It’s an open-source powerhouse that excels at:

here are the key reasons that TYPO3 Developers, marketers, and agencies trust TYPO3 for its:

Modularity: Make your website do exactly what you need. No more, no less.
Security & Stability: Regular LTS (Long-Term Support) releases help you stay secure for years.
Scalability: From a tiny local site to a massive global platform, TYPO3 can handle it.
Community-Driven Development: Enjoy a lively global community that refines and evolves TYPO3 continuously.

Did You Know? TYPO3 powers over 500,000+ active websites around the world!

Why use TYPO3?

TYPO3 offers advanced features like granular user roles, multisite management, and a strong ecosystem of extensions. It’s perfect for businesses and agencies that need scalability and long-term support.

Why Run TYPO3 on Rocky Linux?

Choosing Rocky Linux as the server environment for your TYPO3 CMS setup comes with several real-world advantages—especially for developers and enterprises seeking performance, stability, and control:

1. Enterprise-Grade Stability
Rocky Linux is a 1:1 binary-cloned version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). That is, you have the same stable, trusted, and long-term supported base without paying commercial license costs.

2. Community-Driven & Open Source
Developed by the Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation (RESF), Rocky Linux is backed by a strong community of contributors. This ensures transparency, freedom, and long-term viability—qualities that align with TYPO3’s open-source values.

3. High Compatibility
Rocky Linux uses the same software stack as RHEL, which means excellent compatibility with Apache, MariaDB, PHP, and all the key components required for TYPO3.

4. Predictable Lifecycle
With long-term support (LTS) releases and security updates, Rocky Linux is ideal for running mission-critical TYPO3 installations over extended periods without disruption.

5. Ideal for Enterprise Hosting
TYPO3 is built for large-scale websites and intranet portals, and Rocky Linux offers a hardened, secure environment that pairs perfectly with TYPO3’s backend and frontend capabilities.

Requirements to Run TYPO3 on Rocky Linux Smoothly

Before installing TYPO3 CMS on Rocky Linux, make sure your server meets the following system and software requirements. These will ensure a stable, secure, and high-performance TYPO3 installation.

Requirements

Operating System: Rocky Linux 9 (64-bit)
RAM: Minimum 2 GB (4 GB or more recommended for performance)
CPU: Dual-core processor or higher
Storage: At least 5 GB free disk space (more if handling large content/media)
One Rocky Linux 9 Server
This guide uses a server with the hostname: TYPO3-Rock.
A Non-Root User with Sudo Privileges
Administrative access is required to install and configure packages securely.
SELinux in Permissive Mode
For smoother installation, ensure SELinux is temporarily set to permissive mode. You can enforce it later after proper configuration.
A Domain Name Pointing to the Server IP
For this example, we use: howtoforge.local (replace with your actual domain).

Who Can Benefit from This TYPO3 Install Guide?

Developers - Who want to build and test TYPO3 projects in a stable, RHEL-compatible environment.
System Administrators - Responsible for setting up and maintaining secure, scalable TYPO3 hosting stacks.
Agencies & Freelancers - Who need a reliable and repeatable installation process for client deployments.
TYPO3 Enthusiasts - Exploring TYPO3 CMS on modern Linux distributions like Rocky Linux.

Architecture of Rocky Linux & TYPO3

TYPO3 Versions & Support Roadmap

Before diving in, note TYPO3’s release cycles:

LTS (Long-Term Support): Typically three years of updates per major release.
ELTS (Extended LTS): Paid option if you need extra time beyond standard LTS.

Staying on a currently supported LTS means you’ll get important security patches and feature improvements.

View Roadmap

TYPO3 Version & PHP Compatibility for Composer Install

1. PHP & TYPO3 Compatibility

TYPO3 Version	PHP Versions	Status
9 ELTS	7.2–7.4	Active ELTS
10 ELTS	7.2–7.4	Active ELTS
11 ELTS	7.4, 8.0	Active ELTS
12 LTS	8.1–8.4	Active ELTS
13 LTS	8.2–8.4	Active ELTS

2. System Requirements

Web Server: Apache or Nginx
Database: MariaDB/MySQL recommended
Composer: Recommended for a smoother TYPO3 experience

Always verify with TYPO3’s official System requirements to ensure you’re up to date.

Composer vs Classic TYPO3 Installation

Diagram Explanation:

Composer automates versioning, dependency management, and updates.
Classic is manual but sometimes easier on hosts without CLI access.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing TYPO3 on Rocky Linux

Step 1. Update & Enable Repos

sudo dnf update -y

sudo dnf update -y

(If needed, enable EPEL or additional repos for certain PHP modules.)

Step 2. Install Web Server & Database

 sudo dnf install httpd mariadb-server mariadb -y
sudo systemctl enable httpd
sudo systemctl start httpd
sudo systemctl enable mariadb
sudo systemctl start mariadb
sudo mysql_secure_installation

Create DB/User:

 sudo mysql -u root -p
CREATE DATABASE typo3db;
CREATE USER 'typo3user'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'supersecret';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON typo3db.* TO 'typo3user'@'localhost';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
EXIT;

 sudo dnf install httpd mariadb-server mariadb -y
sudo systemctl enable httpd
sudo systemctl start httpd
sudo systemctl enable mariadb
sudo systemctl start mariadb
sudo mysql_secure_installation

Create DB/User:

 sudo mysql -u root -p
CREATE DATABASE typo3db;
CREATE USER 'typo3user'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'supersecret';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON typo3db.* TO 'typo3user'@'localhost';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
EXIT;

Step 3. PHP & Extensions

Rocky Linux typically uses modular packages. You may need to enable a specific PHP stream:

sudo dnf module reset php
sudo dnf module enable php:8.1 -y
sudo dnf install php php-mysqlnd php-xml php-gd php-curl \
                 php-zip php-intl php-mbstring -y
sudo systemctl restart httpd

sudo dnf module reset php
sudo dnf module enable php:8.1 -y
sudo dnf install php php-mysqlnd php-xml php-gd php-curl \
                 php-zip php-intl php-mbstring -y
sudo systemctl restart httpd

Step 4. TYPO3 Installation

Composer (install if not present):

sudo dnf install composer -y
cd /var/www/html
sudo composer create-project typo3/cms-base-distribution typo3cms
sudo chown -R apache:apache typo3cms

sudo dnf install composer -y
cd /var/www/html
sudo composer create-project typo3/cms-base-distribution typo3cms
sudo chown -R apache:apache typo3cms

Classic Method

Download TYPO3 zip from the official site.
Unzip into /var/www/html/typo3cms.
Set permissions similarly.

Step 5. Configure Apache (Example)

<VirtualHost *:80>
    ServerName yourdomain.com
    DocumentRoot /var/www/html/typo3cms/public

    <Directory /var/www/html/typo3cms/public>
        AllowOverride All
        Require all granted
    </Directory>

    ErrorLog /var/log/httpd/typo3-error.log
    CustomLog /var/log/httpd/typo3-access.log combined
</VirtualHost>

sudo vi /etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf 
# Ensure that "AllowOverride All" is set for your DocumentRoot
sudo systemctl restart httpd

<VirtualHost *:80>
    ServerName yourdomain.com
    DocumentRoot /var/www/html/typo3cms/public

    <Directory /var/www/html/typo3cms/public>
        AllowOverride All
        Require all granted
    </Directory>

    ErrorLog /var/log/httpd/typo3-error.log
    CustomLog /var/log/httpd/typo3-access.log combined
</VirtualHost>

sudo vi /etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf 
# Ensure that "AllowOverride All" is set for your DocumentRoot
sudo systemctl restart httpd

(Check SELinux contexts if you run into permission issues. For quick testing: sudo setenforce 0 temporarily, though be mindful of security.)

Step 6. Final Steps

Open YOUR_VM_IP or your custom domain in a browser:

TYPO3 Installer Wizard will appear.
Provide database credentials.
Create an admin account.
Login to the TYPO3 backend, and voilà—you’re set.

See below for a step-by-step guide on how to set up and install TYPO3.

How to Start TYPO3 Installation Wizard

Once all server configurations are complete, it’s time to finish the setup through the TYPO3 Installation Wizard. This user-friendly, step-by-step wizard helps you finalize the installation process directly in your browser.

Step 1. Check the System Environment (detect if any issues)

TYPO3 will scan your server for required PHP extensions, folder permissions, and system settings. Fix any issues listed before proceeding,

Step 2. Setup Your Database Credentials

Enter the database name, username, and password you created earlier. TYPO3 will use this to store your content and configurations.

Step 3. Choose an Existing Database or Create a New

Select an existing empty database or let TYPO3 create a new one for you.

Step 4. Create backend user & Site

Set up the backend administrator account. Make sure to choose a secure password—you’ll use this to log into the TYPO3 dashboard.

Step 5. Installation Process Start

Define your site name and initial setup options. You can also choose to load a distribution or start with a blank site.

You did it! Now you have a running TYPO3 site on AWS.

Step 6. Get Start with Backend Login

TYPO3 will complete the setup and redirect you to the backend login page.

TYPO3 Rocky Linux vs Other Platforms

Choosing the right environment for your TYPO3 project depends on your technical needs, budget, and scalability plans. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Platform	Best For	Key Benefits	Things to Consider
Rocky Linux	Developers and system administrators seeking enterprise-grade stability with full control	Free, stable, secure RHEL-compatible OS.	Requires manual setup and server management experience
Ubuntu (Self-Managed)	Developers and teams wanting full control and customization	Free, open-source, highly flexible,large community support, easy optimization for TYPO3	Requires server management skills
Google Cloud Platform	Teams already using Google ecosystem	Easy G Suite integration, powerful analytics tools, scalable infrastructure	Slightly higher learning curve for beginners
AWS (Amazon Web Services)	Scalable production environments	High availability, global reach, flexible resources, strong security	Slightly higher learning curve for beginners
Microsoft Azure	Enterprises using Microsoft technologies	Seamless integration with Windows, Office, Active Directory, hybrid cloud	Licensing and costs may be higher
Docker / Docker Compose	Local dev, testing, or microservices setups	Lightweight, fast to deploy, reproducible environments	Docker-savvy, not ideal without orchestration.
Platform.sh	Developers focused on CI/CD & automation	Git-based workflows, automatic scaling, zero-downtime deployments	Less control over underlying infrastructure, premium pricing

Top DevOps Tips for Running TYPO3 on Rocky Linux

1. Start with a Minimal Rocky Linux Install

Begin with a clean, minimal installation of Rocky Linux to reduce bloat and ensure maximum control. This helps streamline TYPO3 deployments and improves server performance.

2. Use Composer for TYPO3 Setup and Management

Always install TYPO3 using Composer for better version control and dependency management. Composer simplifies TYPO3 core and extension updates and integrates well with DevOps pipelines.

3. Set Up CI/CD Pipelines for Automated Deployments

Use GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, or Jenkins to build a CI/CD pipeline tailored to TYPO3. Automate tasks such as:

Code validation and linting
Composer install/update
Cache clearing
Database migrations (via TYPO3 CLI)
Deployment to staging and production

4. Enable PHP-FPM and Opcode Caching

Install and configure PHP-FPM for better performance. Also, enable OPcache to reduce load times by storing precompiled script bytecode.

For Example - sudo dnf install php-fpm php-opcache

5. Secure Your Rocky Linux + TYPO3 Stack

Set strict file and directory permissions (chown -R apache:apache and chmod 755/644)
install and configure SELinux or Fail2Ban
Use HTTPS with Let’s Encrypt or another SSL provider
Regularly update TYPO3, PHP, and system packages

Conclusion

Rocky Linux offers a stable, enterprise-grade environment for TYPO3 that closely mirrors RHEL. By leveraging the official repositories, SELinux, and regular security updates, you can build a robust, long-lasting TYPO3 hosting stack.

Happy TYPO3ing on Rocky Linux!

FAQ

Rocky Linux aims to fill the gap left by CentOS shifting upstream. It’s a 1:1 RHEL rebuild with a community foundation.

RHEL-based systems use module streams. You must explicitly enable the desired version (e.g., php:8.1).

Use chcon to set correct context or temporarily set SELinux to permissive mode. Best practice is to configure SELinux properly for production.

On RHEL-based distros, the Apache package is named httpd. Functionally it’s the same as Apache on Debian/Ubuntu.

Yes, it’s typically the default. You can install MySQL from alternative repos if needed.

Apache logs in /var/log/httpd/, MariaDB logs in /var/log/mariadb/ or /var/log/messages.

Rocky Linux uses dnf by default, though yum symlinks often still work.

Use sudo firewall-cmd --add-service=http --permanent and sudo firewall-cmd --reload to allow HTTP (and similarly for HTTPS).

sudo dnf update -y regularly, or set up automatic updates with dnf-automatic if desired.

Sanjay Chauhan

CTO at T3Planet & NITSAN

Sanjay Chauhan, Co-Founder of NITSAN (Award winning TYPO3 agency) and Pioneer of T3Planet (first-ever TYPO3 Shop). A true TYPO3 fanatic since 2010. I bring strong TYPO3 experience in building customer-business…

Install TYPO3 on Rocky Linux – Complete Setup Guide

Why use TYPO3?

Requirements

1. PHP & TYPO3 Compatibility

2. System Requirements

Step 2. Install Web Server & Database

1. Start with a Minimal Rocky Linux Install

2. Use Composer for TYPO3 Setup and Management

3. Set Up CI/CD Pipelines for Automated Deployments

4. Enable PHP-FPM and Opcode Caching

5. Secure Your Rocky Linux + TYPO3 Stack

FAQ

Sanjay Chauhan

5 Ways to Check TYPO3 Version, Composer Mode & Site Root

T3AC - Your Own AI Chatbot for TYPO3

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