Rocky Linux is an open-source, community-driven enterprise operating system created as a downstream, production-ready replacement for CentOS. It is designed to provide a stable and secure platform for servers, workstations, and cloud environments. Developed by the Rocky Linux Foundation, it emphasizes long-term support, reliability, and compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). The project is named after co-founder Rocky McGaugh, and it aims to ensure continuity for organizations that require a predictable, enterprise-grade Linux environment without vendor lock-in. Rocky Linux is widely adopted in enterprise, cloud, and research environments due to its focus on stability, security updates, and a robust ecosystem of tools.