LSBinformation

LSBinformation is an informal term used to denote information about the Linux Standard Base (LSB), a set of standards and a historical certification program aimed at improving binary compatibility among Linux distributions. The intent is to allow applications to run on any compliant system with little or no modification, thereby increasing portability for developers and reliability for users.

LSB defines a base runtime environment and a set of interfaces that software can rely on, including the filesystem layout, core libraries, and essential utilities. It specifies minimum runtime features and packaging expectations for compliant distributions, while leaving kernel versions and device drivers outside its remit.

Compliance and testing have been supported by the LSB Test Suite, and distributions achieving the standards could obtain LSB certification. This certification aided software vendors in validating portability across target systems and guided system integrators in selecting compatible platforms.

History and status: The LSB project began in the early 2000s as an industry collaboration to standardize Linux base components. Over time, activity waned as containerization, modern packaging approaches, and distribution-specific ecosystems reduced emphasis on formal cross-distribution binary compatibility. While formal certification is less common today, the LSB framework has influenced packaging practices and interoperability discussions in the Linux ecosystem.

Related topics include Linux Standard Base, software portability, and packaging standards.