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Does Linux have backwards compatibility?
The kernel is mostly backward compatible, and the C library (glibc, usually) is the userspace part that usually bridges the last few changes. What causes incompatibilities is userspace libraries being updated but programs depending on weird versions that cannot actually be installed for some reason.
What can be solved using backward compatibility?
Backward compatibility can be used to preserve older software that would have otherwise been lost when a manufacturer decides to stop supporting older hardware. Classic video games are a common example used when discussing the value of supporting older software.
What is an ABI programming?
In computer software, an application binary interface (ABI) is an interface between two binary program modules. An ABI defines how data structures or computational routines are accessed in machine code, which is a low-level, hardware-dependent format.
Is it OK to use different binaries in different Linux distributions?
However, most distributions consider it a problem if they accidentally break LSB compatibility. Normally it’s ok to use binaries across linux distributions as long as you have the same set of libraries available. You can use ‘ldd’ to check which libraries are needed by a binary. libc should sure have the same version in the distributions involved.
Which is better binary distribution or shared library?
This is better than binary distribution because it is not enough to make the binary compatible with shared libraries.
Which is the best way to distribute Linux?
It works. But it also depends on the version of the shared libraries you use, including libc, libstdc++ which are forced by the compiler version that may differ from distro to distro. The best way is to distribute the source code and to make it easy to build the source on any reasonable Linux distribution.
Is the Linux Standard Base compatible with LSB?
The Linux Standard Base already mentioned by others attempts to work out a cross-distribution solution to these variables, but it is not comprehensive and not fully supported by most distributions. However, most distributions consider it a problem if they accidentally break LSB compatibility.