ISO/IEC 23360-1-1:2021

Overview

ISO/IEC 23360-1-1:2021 specifies the Linux Standard Base (LSB) - Part 1-1: Common definitions. It defines a portable system interface for compiled applications and a minimal runtime environment for installation scripts to enable a uniform industry standard for high‑volume Linux applications. The standard is primarily a binary interface (ABI) definition augmented by API-level information where relevant, and it splits each module into a common part and an architecture‑specific part to cover processor differences.

Key topics and requirements

• Modular structure: LSB modules include LSB Core, LSB Desktop, LSB Languages, LSB Imaging and LSB Trial Use. All modules depend on LSB Core.
• Common + architecture-specific parts: The specification separates architecture‑independent definitions from processor‑specific details; together they form a complete interface for a given hardware architecture.
• APIs and ABIs: The standard enumerates both Application Program Interfaces (APIs) and Application Binary Interfaces (ABIs). It is primarily an ABI specification - compiled binaries must conform to the ABIs listed.
• Required libraries and runtime names: The Core and other modules define mandatory libraries (e.g., libpthread.so.0, libstdc++.so.6, libz.so.1) and architecture‑specific libraries like libc and libm.
• Required commands/utilities: The Core module lists many required commands (e.g., cp, mv, ls, sh, sed, grep), while Desktop, Imaging and Languages modules add others (e.g., xdg‑open, foomatic‑rip, python, perl).
• Conformance rules: A conforming implementation must provide the interfaces from both the common and applicable architecture part, supply dynamic linking of required libraries, conform to virtual memory and calling conventions, and report module support (e.g., via the lsb_release command). Optional interfaces may be supplied but must be complete if provided.
• Versioning policy: Version numbers use x.y(.z) semantics where major changes may remove libraries, minor changes add interfaces, and editorial changes use the third level.

Applications and users

• Software vendors and ISVs building commercial, high‑volume Linux desktop/server applications use the LSB to maximize binary portability across distributions and processor architectures.
• Linux distribution maintainers and system integrators use it to ensure runtime compatibility and to certify conformance.
• Toolchain and library developers (compilers, linkers, packaging systems) use the ABI and library/runtime name rules to produce compatible binaries.
• Enterprise IT benefits from predictable behaviour of installed binaries and installation scripts across heterogeneous Linux environments.

Related standards

• The LSB references POSIX (ISO/IEC 9945) and other Linux Foundation specifications where appropriate; sections indicate when readers must consult architecture‑specific parts or referenced standards for full semantics.

Keywords: ISO/IEC 23360-1-1, Linux Standard Base, LSB, ABI, API, LSB Core, library names, conformance, runtime environment, lsb_release.