From The Linux Foundation
Linux Standard Base (LSB) Specifications
The Linux Standard Base (LSB) specifications contain a set of modules that define requirements for LSB-compliant systems. The specifications are made available in two parts: an architecture independent (generic) part and an architecture dependent part. Each part is comprised of three modules: Core, C++, and Desktop. Two additional modules, Printing and Interpreted Languages, are architecture-neutral and thus have only a single part.
The latest version of the Linux Standard Base (LSB) is version 3.2, released on January 28, 2008.
Note on PDF links
The PDF versions of the specifications are still in the process of being generated. Until this is completed, some of the PDF links may not work.
LSB 3.2 Mandatory Specifications
Mandatory specifications define requirements that LSB compliant distributions MUST conform to so that applications may safely rely on the functionality described in the mandatory modules. At the same time, LSB-compliant applications must not rely on any functionality beyond the mandatory modules.
| HTML | Date | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LSB 3.2 (Generic) | Core, C++, Desktop, | Core, C++, Desktop, | 28-Jan-2008 |
| LSB 3.2 (IA32) | Core, C++, Desktop | Core, C++, Desktop | 28-Jan-2008 |
| LSB 3.2 (IA64) | Core, C++, Desktop | Core, C++, Desktop | 28-Jan-2008 |
| LSB 3.2 (PPC32) | Core, C++, Desktop | Core, C++, Desktop | 28-Jan-2008 |
| LSB 3.2 (PPC64) | Core, C++, Desktop | Core, C++, Desktop | 28-Jan-2008 |
| LSB 3.2 (S390) | Core, C++, Desktop | Core, C++, Desktop | 28-Jan-2008 |
| LSB 3.2 (S390X) | Core, C++, Desktop | Core, C++, Desktop | 28-Jan-2008 |
| LSB 3.2 (AMD64) | Core, C++, Desktop | Core, C++, Desktop | 28-Jan-2008 |
LSB 3.2 Trial Use Specifications
The LSB workgroup also publishes Trial Use (optional) specification as add-ons to the mainline LSB specification. Trial Use specifications consistute additional features under consideration for inclusion in future versions of the LSB standard. Trial Use specifications are made available to facilitate a broader public review of upcoming additions to the LSB standard. They also allow runtime and application vendors to go above and beyond the LSB in a way that promotes convergence with future versions of the LSB and to "vote with their feet" to help define which modules emerge as best practices and, thus, are eligible for inclusion in those future versions.
Functionality in trial use modules is not required in LSB-compliant distributions, though distribution vendors may declare that they provide trial use modules by passing the associated test suite and providing the appropriate package, and application vendors may declare that they require trial use modules by depending on the appropriate package. However, note that applications that require trial use modules cannot be considered "LSB-compliant". To be considered LSB-compliant, applications must statically link against the trial use modules rather than depending on the operating system providing the appropriate runtime.
| HTML | Date | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LSB 3.2 (Generic) | ALSA & xdg-utils | ALSA & xdg-utils | 28-Jan-2008 |
Older versions
Older versions of the LSB are available here.
Unreleased versions
Current work on the specifications for the next version of the LSB are available on the Developer Specifications page.