Kernel version classification of linux

Odd and even version classification:

Prior to version 2.6.x, the development direction of the kernel was divided into two categories, and different kernel numbers were given according to the development of these two types of kernels, that is:

Major and minor versions are odd: version under development (development)

* Kernel versions such as 2.5.xx are mainly used to test and develop new features, so this version is usually only used by kernel development engineers. *

Major and minor versions are even: stable version (stable)

* 2.6.xx, for example, will be added to such versions when the kernel features are mature, which are mainly used in general home computers and enterprise versions, focusing on providing users with a relatively stable linux operating environment platform. *

Mainline version, long-term maintenance version (longterm version)

This odd and even numbering format will no longer be used after version 3.0.

Linux kernel version and linux release version

The kernel version of linux is different from the release version (distribution). Many friends often go online and ask: "my linux is version 7.x". This is the wrong way to ask a question, because the so-called linux version should refer to the kernel version, while the current kernel version should be 4.7.x. Your commonly used linux system should be described as a release version. Therefore, if you take the centos distribution as an example, you should say, "the linux I use is the centos distribution version, version 7.x, please." That's right.