After learning what Linux is and what a Linux distribution is, when you start using Linux, you may come across the term “rolling release” in discussions on Linux forums.
In this explanation of Linux slang, you will learn about the rolling publishing mode of Linux distributions.
What is rolling publishing?
In software development, a rolling release is a pattern in which updates to the software are released in succession rather than in batches. So the software is always up to date. Rolling Release Distribution follows the same pattern, providing the latest Linux kernel and software versions as soon as they are released.
Arch Linux is the most popular example of a rolling distribution, whereas Gentoo is the oldest rolling distribution and is still under development.
When you use a rolling distribution, you get small, frequent updates. There are no major XYZ releases like Ubuntu. You will update Arch or other rolling distributions regularly, and you will always have the latest version of the distribution.
Rolling releases also come at the cost of testing. You may get a “scare” when the latest update starts causing problems for your system.
Compare a rollout release with a point-release release
Many Linux distributions, such as Debian, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, and others follow the point release model. They release a major XYZ release every few months/years.
The dot version consists of new versions of the Linux kernel, desktop environment, and other software.
When a major release of a new point-release distribution is released, you must specifically upgrade your system.
In contrast, in a rolling release, you’re constantly getting new feature updates as it’s released from developers. That way, you don’t need to upgrade months or years later. You always have the latest thing.
Oh, but my Ubuntu also updates regularly, almost once a week. Does this mean Ubuntu is rolling out too?
No, Ubuntu is not rolling. You see, the updates you usually get from Ubuntu are security and maintenance updates (except for some software, like Mozilla Firefox), not new feature releases.
For example, GNOME 3.38 has been released, but Ubuntu LTS version 20.04 will not give you GNOME 3.38. It will stick with version 3.36. If there is a security or maintenance update for GNOME 3.36, you will get it in the Ubuntu update.
The same goes for the LibreOffice version. Ubuntu 20.04 LTS sticks with the LibreOffice 6.x series, and LibreOffice 7 has been released. Remember, I’m talking about the software version in the official software library. You are free to download an updated version of LibreOffice from their official website, or use PPA. But you won’t get it from Ubuntu’s library.
When Ubuntu releases its next release, Ubuntu 20.10, you’ll get LibreOffice 7 and GNOME 3.38.
Why do some rolling distributions have “version numbers” and distribution names?
It’s a fair question. Arch Linux is a rolling release, it always keeps your system up to date, yet you’ll see a version number like Arch Linux 2020.9.01.
Now imagine that you have Installed Arch Linux in 2018. You update your Arch Linux system regularly, so you have all the latest kernels and software in September 2020.
But what happens if you decide to install Arch Linux on a new system in September 2020? If you use the same installation media you used in 2018, you will have to install all system updates released in the last two years or more. It’s inconvenient, isn’t it?
That’s why Arch Linux (and other rolling distributions) come with a new ISO (operating system installer image file) every month or every few months that contains all the latest software. This is known as an ISO refresh. That way, new users get an updated Linux distribution.
If you’re already using a rolling distribution, you don’t have to worry about the new ISO refresh. Your system is already on par with it. The ISO refresh is helpful for those who want to install it on a new system.
The pros and cons of rolling publishing
The nice thing about the rolling publishing model is that you get small, frequent updates. You can always get the latest kernel and the latest software version from your distribution’s repository.
However, this can also cause unforeseen problems with new software. Point-release releases typically test the basic components integrated into the system to avoid inconvenient errors. This is not the case in a rolling distribution, where software is pushed out as soon as the developer releases it.
Should you use a scroll distribution or a point-and-click distribution?
It’s up to you. If you are a new Linux user, or if you are not used to troubleshooting your Linux system, stick with the point-to-point distribution of your choice. This is also recommended for your production and mission-critical machines, where you’ll want a stable system.
If you want the latest and greatest Linux kernels and software, and you’re not afraid to spend some time troubleshooting (which happens all the time), you can opt for a scrolling distribution.
At this point, I also want to mention Manjaro Linux’s hybrid scrolling publishing mode. Manjaro does follow a rolling release model where you don’t have to upgrade to a newer version. However, Manjaro also tests basic software components, rather than blindly pushing them out to users. This is one of the reasons why so many people use Manjrao Linux.
Do I make myself clear?
Hopefully, you now know a little bit about the term “rolling distribution.” If you still have some questions about it, please leave a comment and I will try my best to answer them. I may update the article to cover your question. Have a nice day 🙂
Via: itsfoss.com/rolling-rel…
By Abhishek Prakash (Lujun9972
This article is originally compiled by LCTT and released in Linux China