Kroah-Hartman Confirms: Linux Kernel 6.12 is Now LTS
Linux kernel version 6.12, released on November 17, 2024, has been officially designated as a Long-Term Support (LTS) release. Maintained by renowned kernel developer Greg Kroah-Hartman, this version is slated to receive updates and security patches for a minimum of two years, ensuring a stable and reliable platform for enterprise deployments and long-term projects.
This significant milestone coincides with the end-of-life (EOL) announcement for the widely-used 4.19 kernel series. Version 4.19.325 marks the final release in this series, prompting users to migrate to newer LTS versions like 6.12 to ensure continued security and stability.
Key Enhancements in 6.12:
Beyond its LTS status, 6.12 introduces a range of noteworthy features and improvements:
- Crash QR Codes: Facilitating streamlined debugging, 6.12 incorporates the ability to generate QR codes containing detailed crash information, enabling rapid diagnostics and troubleshooting.
- Real-time PREEMPT_RT: This significant advancement in real-time capabilities enhances system responsiveness and performance by enabling preemption of kernel processes, benefiting latency-sensitive applications.
- Sched_ext Scheduler: Leveraging the power of eBPF, the new sched_ext scheduler offers increased flexibility and customization, allowing developers to optimize scheduling strategies for specific workloads.
Adoption and Availability:
Leading Linux distributions, including Arch Linux, openSUSE Tumbleweed, and Fedora Linux, have already integrated Linux Kernel 6.12 LTS into their repositories. System administrators and users are encouraged to leverage their distribution’s package manager to update to the latest kernel version, ensuring access to critical security updates and performance enhancements.
The LTS designation for Linux Kernel 6.12 underscores its importance within the Linux ecosystem, providing a robust and reliable foundation for a diverse range of applications and deployments.
