The openSUSE Project is preparing to adopt Agama, a modern web-based Linux installer developed by the openSUSE team, as the default installer for its rolling-release Tumbleweed distro, replacing the traditional YaST-based installation system.
Unlike the traditional YaST installer, Agama separates the installation interface from system configuration services, as users can install through a graphical web interface, while CLI tools and an API support automated deployments.
The installer is already used by openSUSE Leap, having made its debut with Leap 16.0 last year. The recently released Leap 16.1 continues to use Agama, including support for choosing between traditional and immutable installations.
With Leap’s transition complete, development is now focusing on Tumbleweed and Slowroll. Agama 25, released in October, introduced improvements to support this, including a terminal integrated into the web interface, better network configuration controls, and fewer dependencies on traditional YaST packages.
Moreover, Tumbleweed has begun reducing its usage of YaST. In October, the distribution’s installation patterns stopped recommending YaST packages for new installations. The packages remain available but are no longer automatically recommended in the default installation.
Finally, the transition mainly affects how new Tumbleweed systems are installed. Existing installations do not need reinstalling, and replacing the installer does not mean all YaST-related packages will immediately disappear from the distribution.
For more information, see the openSUSE announcement. Users interested in testing the new installer can find Agama installation images for Tumbleweed through the project’s official download infrastructure.
