Which install method should I use?

Guidance for choosing the best DataStax Enterprise installation method for your purposes.

You can install DataStax Enterprise (DSE) in several ways, depending on the purpose of the installation, the type of operating system, and the available permissions. Be sure to install on a supported platform.

Table 1. DataStax Enterprise installation types
Installation method About
Using the DataStax Installer to install (root permissions required) A Linux GUI-based/text installer with multiple options such as:
  • Services or No Services installation. A No Services installation is similar to a tarball installation.
  • Ability to install with or without root permissions. (You cannot update system packages and dependencies without root permissions.)
  • Ability fully configure DSE using command line or a properties file during the installation.
  • Set node type, such as analytics, graph, search, or transactional.
  • Configure cluster, node, and DSE settings.
  • Update some system packages and dependencies.
  • Upgrade nodes and provides a list of changes and backup files.
  • Install Developer tools such as DataStax Studio, Javadoc, DSE Graph Loader, and DSE demos.
  • Run the Preflight check tool, which is a tool for detecting and optionally fixing many invalid or suboptimal configuration settings.
OpsCenter Lifecyle Manager The DataStax Lifecycle Manager (LCM) can install DSE. It is fully integrated with DSE OpsCenter. LCM provides:
  • A web-based graphical interface for installing and configuring DSE.
  • Performs a Services installation using RHEL or Debian packages.
  • Ability to configure and update all DSE settings.
  • Installs the necessary system requirements automatically, including Java.
  • Integrates with OpsCenter Best Practice Service, which detects many suboptimal configuration settings.
  • Automation via the LCM API.

To install DSE using LCM, requires installing OpsCenter, bringing your own instances on a supported platform with SSH and Python installed, and root permissions on the target nodes.
Installing DataStax Enterprise 5.1 on RHEL-based systems using Yum Installs DSE using Yum repositories on RHEL-based systems. Requires root permissions. Typically used in production environments.
Installing DataStax Enterprise 5.1 on Debian-based systems using APT Installs DSE on Debian-based systems using APT. Requires root permissions. Typically used in production environments.
Binary installer Installs DSE on any supported Linux-based platform.
Installing and deploying DSE on cloud platforms Instructions for installing and deploying DSE on CenturyLink Cloud, Google Compute Engine, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon EC2.
CAUTION: If you have installed hot fixes, be sure to manually remove the hot fix JAR files before upgrading DataStax Enterprise.

Installing DataStax Enterprise drivers

For version compatibility, see the DataStax drivers page.

DataStax Enterprise Drivers
C/C++ DSE driver C/C++ OSS driver
C# DSE driver | DSE Graph Extension C# OSS driver
Java DSE driver (DSE Graph Extension included) Java OSS driver
Node.js DSE driver | DSE Graph Extension Node.js OSS driver
Python DSE driver | DSE Graph Extension Python OSS driver
Maintenance mode drivers1
PHP DSE driver PHP OSS driver
Ruby DSE driver Ruby OSS driver
1 Supported by DataStax, but only critical bug fixes will be included in new versions.