ISO/IEC 23360-3-2:2021

Overview

ISO/IEC 23360-3-2:2021 specifies the Linux Standard Base (LSB) Core for the IA64 (Itanium™) architecture. It is the architecture‑specific supplement to the LSB Core - Generic specification and, together with the common part, provides a complete Application Binary Interface (ABI) and minimal runtime environment for compiled applications on IA64 systems. Published in 2021 and prepared by the Linux Foundation, this document defines mandatory binary interfaces and environment requirements to enable uniform, high‑volume application deployment across LSB‑conforming IA64 implementations.

Key topics and requirements

• ABI and API scope: Focuses primarily on the binary interface (ABIs) for compiled applications while referencing source‑level APIs when relevant. Interfaces in this part are mandatory except where explicitly noted.
• Executable and Linking Format (ELF): Architecture‑specific details for object format, ELF headers, sections, symbol tables and relocations for IA64.
• Machine and runtime interface: Machine interface, function calling sequences, process initialization, C stack frame and debug information tailored to Itanium architecture.
• Program loading & dynamic linking: Program headers, program loading semantics and dynamic linker/program interpreter expectations on IA64 systems.
• Base and utility libraries: Conformance requirements for core libraries (e.g., libc, libm, libpthread, libgcc_s, libdl, libcrypt), plus utility libraries (libz, libncurses, libstdc++ etc.) and their data/interface definitions as relevant to IA64.
• Package format & installation: Guidance on software installation, package dependencies and package architecture considerations for LSB packages targeting IA64.
• Conformance guidance: Requirements for LSB implementation and application conformance; the document recommends mechanisms such as symbol versioning to maintain backward compatibility across LSB versions.

Practical applications and users

Who uses ISO/IEC 23360-3-2:

• Linux distribution vendors implementing IA64 support to ensure ABI compatibility with packaged applications.
• Compiler and toolchain developers ensuring generated binaries follow IA64 calling conventions and ELF requirements.
• Application packagers building LSB‑compliant binaries for predictable installation and runtime across conforming systems.
• System integrators and ISVs (Independent Software Vendors) who need assurance of binary portability and consistent runtime behavior on Itanium systems. Practical benefits include improved binary portability, reduced fragmentation for IA64 Linux deployments, and predictable behavior for dynamic linking and library usage.

Related standards

• LSB Core - Generic (the common part referenced by this document)
• Other parts of the ISO/IEC 23360 series (platform‑specific LSB modules)
• Prior edition: ISO/IEC 23360-3:2006 (technically revised and replaced by this 2021 edition)

Keywords: ISO/IEC 23360-3-2, Linux Standard Base, LSB, IA64, Itanium, ABI, API, ELF, libc, libpthread, dynamic linker, package installation, binary compatibility.