Kernel version of Linux (Go-to-pick)

This article is copied from the bird brother's Linux private dishes fourth edition

Links: http://linux.vbird.org/linux_basic/0110whatislinux.php#torvalds_version

The kernel version number of Linux is somewhat similar to the following:

Although the numbering is the same as above, but according to the development process of Linux core, the definition of the core version is a little different.

Odd, even version classification

Prior to the 2.6.x version, Tovac divided the core development trend into two shares and gave different core numbers according to the different developments of the two shares, namely:

Main and minor versions are odd: developing version (development)

such as 2.5.XX, this core version is mainly used in testing and development of new features, so this version is usually only the core engineering developers to use. If there is a new core program code, it will be added to this version. Wait until a lot of engineers Test no problem, only to join the next version of the stable core.

Main, minor version is even: stable version (Stable)

such as 2.6.xx, wait until the core function matures will be added to this type of version, mainly used in general home computer and Enterprise version. The focus is on providing users with a relatively stable Linux job environment platform.

As for the release of the publication is in the main, minor version of the structure of the same situation, the new features accumulated to a certain extent after the release of the core version. Since the Linux core is licensed under the GPL, it is possible to modify the core program code. So if you have a program code that modifies parts of a version's core, the new core version that has been modified can be added to the so-called modified version.

Mainline version, long-term maintenance release (longterm version)

　　However, this odd-numbered, even numbered format is invalidated after the 3.0 launch. Starting from the 3.0 version, the core is mainly based on the main version (MainLine) to develop, after the completion of the development will be the main version. For example, 3.10 is the new mainline version that continues to develop under the 3.9 architecture. Usually the new version of the mainline version of about 2-3 months will be presented Oh! There is a new mainline version because of the addition of new features. Now (2015/04) The latest mainline version has come to the 4.0 version! All right, quick!

The old version, after the emergence of the new mainline version, has two mechanisms to deal with, a mechanism for ending development (end of Live, EOL), i.e. the program code has ended and there will be no continuing maintenance. Another mechanism to maintain this version of continuous maintenance, that is, long-term maintenance version (longterm), this version of the program code will be continuously maintained, if the program code has a bug or other problems, the core maintainer will continue to carry out the maintenance of the program code updates Oh!

So, if you want to use the Linux core to develop your system, then of course choose a long-term support version! To determine if your Linux core is a long-term supported version, you can use [Uname-r] to review the core version and then check the corresponding values against the links below.

• Https://www.kernel.org/releases.html

Kernel version of Linux (Go-to-pick)