The Linux community, known for its resilience and commitment to progress, is again on the precipice of change. This time, it significantly alters the Linux LTS (Long Term Support) kernel support, which promises to reshape how we approach long-term system stability.
A Shift in Linux LTS: From 6 to 2 Years
Speaking at the ongoing Open Source Summit Europe in Bilbao, Spain, Jonathan Corbet, Linux kernel developer, informed that a significant change is on the horizon – the Long Term Support (LTS) for kernel versions is expected to be reduced from six to two years.
Usually, the Linux LTS kernel versions are supported for six years. This maintenance period includes a period of active support plus a period of extended support, during which critical security updates and bug fixes are provided.
In the table below are the currently supported Linux kernel LTS versions.
| Release | Released | Security Support |
|---|---|---|
| 6.1 (LTS) | 9 months ago (11 Dec 2022) | Ends in 3 years (31 Dec 2026 |
| 5.15 (LTS) | 1 year and 10 months ago (31 Oct 2021) | Ends in 3 years (31 Oct 2026) |
| 5.10 (LTS) | 2 years and 9 months ago (13 Dec 2020) | Ends in 3 years (01 Dec 2026) |
| 5.4 (LTS) | 3 years and 10 months ago (25 Nov 2019) | Ends in 2 years (01 Dec 2025) |
| 4.14 (LTS) | 5 years and 10 months ago (12 Nov 2017) | Ends in 3 months (01 Jan 2024) |
What Is Driving the Change?
Corbet points to two main reasons for reducing the Linux LTS kernel maintenance period from 6 to 2 years. The first is the entirely reasonable, that “There’s really no point to maintaining it for that long because people aren’t using them.“
What can I add, except that maintaining LTS kernel versions for an extended period, such as six years, may not always be necessary? After all, who in 2023 relies on and needs support for Linux kernel 4.14?
Sure, some servers still rely on it, but that’s more of an exception confirming the general rule.
Furthermore, maintaining such old versions necessitates a lot of work that takes effort that you and I often don’t even realize. This gets us to the second major factor, which is far more worrying.
Kernel developers are just burning out. Yes, according to The Linux Foundation, the development of the Linux kernel involves the work of over 15,000 highly skilled professionals since 2005, and only a few are paid for their work.
Everyone else contributes to the kernel’s development and maintenance in their spare time, willingly giving their highly skilled labor.
Which, with the simultaneous support of 6 currently maintained LTS versions, invariably leads to burnout. What is the problem’s solution? In short, companies that rely on Linux must recognize that giving back financially is in their best interests.
Finally, Corbet believes that the fast-growing Rust programming language is only a matter of time before it becomes part of the future of the Linux kernel. And that means lots of new professionals to help with its development and maintenance.
