Rolling release ( Russian floating release [1] , rolling release ) is a concept in software development that characterizes the method of updating the latter. It is most often used with respect to Linux distributions , and is opposed to the classical system of periodically released versions, containing, as a rule, already slightly outdated versions of programs that are supported for a certain time after the release of the release (in most distributions, the support period is approximately equal to a year except for Long Term Support (LTS) releases having a longer support period). In contrast, the floating release system allows the user to always have the latest versions of installed programs, eliminating the need for periodic reinstallation of the system.
There are also projects that partially implement the principle of floating releases, for example PCLinuxOS and Chakra , the main packages of which are updated only to improve security and stability [2] [3] .
Content
Types of Rolling Releases
Partial
Partial rolling release (English Part-rolling, semi-rolling, or half-rolling distributions) includes part of software packages that are not updated. Often, these packages are included in the list of "core" immutable (English non-rolling) packages, such as the kernel and other critical packages. Or vice versa, it is an invariable "wrapper" - a user application that facilitates the use of software.
Full
Full rolling release (eng. Full-rolling distributions) does not divide the distribution into variable (eng. Rolling) and immutable (eng. Non-rolling) part. A full rolling release applies to the entire list of software packages.
Pseudo
Pseudo-rolling distributions is an attempt to stabilize the working branch of a non-rolling distribution distribution using software patches. This allows you to get a distribution kit with functionality similar to a true (English) rolling release.
This
This True-rolling distributions release, as opposed to the Pseudo rolling release, is only developed using the rolling release software development model.
Optional
Optional rolling release (Eng. Opt-rolling distributions) - either have separate editions of the distribution release: variable (Eng. Rolling) and unchanged (Eng. Non-rolling). Typically, these releases are by default mutable or immutable. An optional rolling release is rare, compared to other types of distribution distribution models.
Loop
Cyclic-rolling distributions - based on the cyclical development branch of the non-rolling distribution. As a result, the overall age and stability of packages is not constant throughout the development cycle. This inconstancy is especially noticeable at the end of the cycle, during the release of the unchanged (non-rolling) distribution that is the source.
Examples of distributions with floating releases
- Based on SUSE:
- openSUSE Linux (optional: "rolling" when using the Tumbleweed software repository)
- Based on Arch:
- Arch linux
- Archbang linux
- Parabola GNU / Linux
- CTKArch
- Arch hurd
- KahelOS
- Manjaro linux
- Bridge linux
- Nosonja linux
- Based on Gentoo:
- Gentoo linux
- Gentoo / freebsd
- Gentoo / netbsd
- Gentoo / openbsd
- Gentoo / DragonflyBSD
- Funtoo linux
- Calculate Linux
- Toorox Linux (partial; "non-rolling" wrapper)
- Sabayon linux
- Google Chrome OS (and its open source version of Chromium OS)
- Based on Debian :
- aptosid (unstable branch)
- xebian (unstable branch)
- siduction (unstable branch)
- Semplice Linux (unstable branch)
- Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE, based on the Debian testing branch, circular, unstable branch)
- Epidemic GNU / Linux
- Kali Linux
- MX Linux
- Based on Fedora :
- Fuduntu Linux
- Based on Slackware :
- Frugalware Linux
- Based on LFS :
- NuTyX Linuxen (based on LFS, BLFS and CRUX)
- Based on Mandriva -related:
- Unity Linux
- PCLinuxOS (partial; "non-rolling" base)
- ROSA (partial)
- Based on rPath-related:
- rPath Linux
- Foresight linux
- Based on Sorcerer:
- Sorcerer linux
- Source Mage GNU / Linux
- Lunar linux
- Others:
- Yoper Linux (independent)
Notes
- β Arch Linux wiki: FAQ (Russian) .
- β PC Linux OS and rolling release . Archived December 18, 2012.
- β Chakra project main page . Archived December 18, 2012.