What is the LSB?
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What is the LSB?
An operating system is only as strong as the applications that run on top of it. While Linux presents unique challenges to ISVs (including multiple distribution targets), it also affords them a tremendous market opportunity. The Linux Standard Base (LSB) was created to eliminate much of the heavy lifting required by ISVs targeting the Linux platform today. For ISVs, LSB is a means to reduce the cost and complexities of supporting Linux.
The Linux Standard Base and the tools available on the LDN were created to enable ISVs to cost effectively target the Linux platform, reducing their porting, support and testing costs while achieving a global market for their applications. It is defined collaboratively between Linux distributors, significant players in the Linux ecosystem and application vendors.
The LSB is ISO/IEC standard 23360.
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The LSB Specifies:
Common Packaging and Install Guidelines
Common Shared Libraries and their Selection
Configuration Files
File Placement (FHS)
System Commands
ABIs for System Interfaces (both application and platform level)
The LSB currently covers the following computing architectures including:
Intel IA32, Intel IA64, x86-64 / EM64T, IBM PPC 32, IBM PPC 64, IBM 31-bit S/390, IBM 64-bit zSeries.
Resources available from the LDN include:
Linux Application Checker -- check your application's portability and get recommendations to make it more portable
LSB Database Navigator
LSB Build Tools
Tests for up and downstream adoption that will enhance the quality of the Linux platform
Forums and Mailing lists
LSB certification and marketing support
Developers interested in writing distribution-independent Linux applications can get started with the LSB Tutorial on writing portable applications.