How To Install OpenCV On CentOS 8?

The Path to OpenCV on CentOS 8

Embracing the prowess of computer vision demands a solid foundation, and in the realm of open-source computer vision libraries, OpenCV reigns supreme. For CentOS 8 adventurers seeking to harness its capabilities, the journey begins with an installation, a voyage through terminals and repositories. Fear not, for this guide shall illuminate the path, illuminating the steps to grace your CentOS 8 system with the power and versatility of OpenCV.

Prerequisites:

Preparing for the Odyssey

Before setting sail into the installation process, it’s paramount to ensure your CentOS 8 environment is primed for OpenCV’s arrival. Update the system by invoking the stalwart ‘yum’ command, a trusty ally in the realm of package management:

sudo yum update

This ensures that your system’s repositories are up to date, paving the way for a smooth and seamless installation experience. Following this, equip your system with necessary tools and dependencies required for compiling OpenCV from source. Embrace the prowess of development tools by installing the ‘Development Tools’ group:

sudo yum groupinstall "Development Tools"

With this arsenal in place, the stage is set for the grand entrance of OpenCV onto your CentOS 8 domain.

Downloading OpenCV:

The Quest for the Source

The first step towards harnessing the powers of OpenCV involves securing its source code. Traverse the digital landscape to the official OpenCV repository on GitHub or opt for a specific version, ensuring a precise selection aligned with your needs. Utilize the ‘git’ command to clone the repository onto your system:

git clone https://github.com/opencv/opencv.git

Once the repository is comfortably nestled within your system’s confines, it’s time to acquire the complementary OpenCV contributions repository, a realm of additional modules and functionalities:

git clone https://github.com/opencv/opencv_contrib.git

These repositories serve as the foundational bedrock for the forthcoming compilation and installation processes.

Building OpenCV:

Forging the Framework

With the source code and contributions repository in hand, the stage is set for crafting OpenCV’s realm within your CentOS 8 kingdom. Navigate into the OpenCV directory and create a ‘build’ directory to contain the compilation process:

cd opencv
mkdir build
cd build

Next, invoke the ‘cmake’ command, a wizard of sorts that configures the build process, weaving together the threads of dependencies and settings:

cmake -D CMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=RELEASE -D CMAKE_INSTALL_PREFIX=/usr/local -D OPENCV_EXTRA_MODULES_PATH=../../opencv_contrib/modules ..

This incantation prepares the groundwork for the compilation, incorporating the additional modules from the contributions repository. Once the configuration spells its success, it’s time to invoke the mighty ‘make’ command:

make -j$(nproc)

This orchestration unleashes the compilation process, utilizing the computational prowess of your system to forge OpenCV from the depths of its source code.

Installing OpenCV:

Enshrining the Visionary Library

The culmination of this epic saga nears as the fruits of compilation await installation. Employ administrative privileges to execute the installation command:

sudo make install

This command sanctifies OpenCV within your CentOS 8 dominion, placing it within the hallowed grounds of ‘/usr/local/’.

Conclusion:

The Dawn of OpenCV on CentOS 8

Alas, the installation of OpenCV on CentOS 8 unveils a world of possibilities in the realm of computer vision. With its libraries now enshrined within your system, the journey into the realms of image processing, machine learning, and object detection beckons. Arise, intrepid CentOS 8 voyager, and delve into the boundless potential of OpenCV, for within its depths lies the key to unlocking a world of visual insight and innovation.