Linux+Standard+Base

= = =[|Linux Standard Base] (LSB) =  An operating system's success is inextricably linked with the number and quality of applications that run on top of it. Linux and its variances between distributions, however, present ISVs and individual developers with a unique set of challenges: different distributions of Linux make use of different versions of libraries, important files stored in different locations, and so on. If an ISV wants to reach a global Linux audience, they must support more than one distribution of Linux. These challenges and variances make it difficult--and costly--for ISVs to target the Linux platform.

The Linux Standard Base was created to solve these challenges and lower the overall costs of supporting the Linux platform. By reducing the differences between individual Linux distributions, the LSB greatly reduces the costs involved with porting applications to different distributions, as well as lowers the cost and effort involved in after-market support of those applications.

[|About the Linux Standard Base] (LSB)
The Linux Standard Base delivers interoperability between applications and the Linux operating system. Currently all major distributions comply with the LSB and many major application vendors, like MySQL, RealNetworks and SAP, are certifying. The LSB offers a cost-effective way for application vendors to target multiple Linux distributions while building only one software package. For end-users, the LSB and its mark of interoperability preserves choice by allowing them to select the applications and distributions they want while avoiding vendor lock-in. LSB certification of distributions results in more applications being ported to Linux and ensures that distribution vendors are compatible with those applications. In short, the LSB ensures Linux does not fragment.

If you are an end user looking for Linux distributions that support open standards, please see our list of [|LSB certified products].

If you are a developer looking to build portable Linux applications that will work on these distributions, please see the [|Linux Developer Network].

[|is at least one book available in print about the Linux Standard Base..]

Workgroup Resources

 * [|LSB Roadmap]
 * [|Application Compatibility]
 * [| Software Development Kit (SDK), and Application and Distribution Testkits]
 * [| LSB Certification]
 * [|Product Directory]
 * [| LSB Specification]. Also browse specification details in [|LSB Navigator]
 * [|LSB Charter]
 * [| LSB Workgroups]
 * [|LSB F2F November 2007]
 * [|lsb-discuss mailing list]
 * [|LSB workgroup wiki], go here to get involved with the LSB workgroup
 * [|LSB ISV Roundtable March 2008]
 * [|LSB F2F April 2009]