Understanding the Kernel Versioning System

TLDRThe kernel version number does not directly indicate the features or stability of the kernel. The third number is incremented when it becomes too large, and the second number is incremented when the third number is too large. The first number indicates a major change. The odd-even system used previously for development and stable releases is no longer in use. The LTS kernel was introduced for long-term support. The Linux next tree was established to deal with development issues. The renumbering to 3.0 was done to simplify the version numbering system.

Key insights

🔄The kernel version number does not directly indicate the stability or features of the kernel.

📅The third number is incremented when it becomes too large, indicating no specific meaning.

🌟The second number is incremented when the third number becomes too large.

🔄The first number indicates a major change.

The odd-even system for development and stable releases is no longer in use.

Q&A

What does the kernel version number indicate?

The kernel version number does not directly indicate the stability or features of the kernel.

What does it mean when the third number is incremented?

When the third number becomes too large, it does not have a specific meaning.

When is the second number incremented?

The second number is incremented when the third number becomes too large.

What does the first number indicate?

The first number indicates a major change in the kernel.

Is the odd-even system still used for development and stable releases?

No, the odd-even system is no longer in use.

Timestamped Summary

00:00The kernel version number does not directly indicate the stability or features of the kernel.

03:03The third number is incremented when it becomes too large, indicating no specific meaning.

03:51The second number is incremented when the third number becomes too large.

11:30The odd-even system for development and stable releases is no longer in use.

12:12The kernel versioning system was simplified by renumbering to 3.0.