ISO/IEC 23360-4-3:2021

Overview

ISO/IEC 23360-4-3:2021 - Linux Standard Base (LSB) Part 4-3: Desktop specification for AMD64 (x86-64) architecture defines the architecture-specific desktop module of the LSB for AMD64 (x86-64) systems. It supplements the LSB Desktop common part by listing the APIs and ABIs, libraries, data definitions and installation behavior that must be provided on conforming x86-64 Linux desktop implementations. The goal is consistent binary compatibility and a minimal environment for installation scripts so high‑volume desktop applications run across LSB-conformant AMD64 distributions.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Binary and source interfaces: The standard is primarily an ABI definition but also references source-level APIs; a conforming implementation must provide the ABIs listed in this part.
• Architecture-specific supplementation: This document augments the LSB Desktop common part with AMD64-specific interface details and references to sections where the common part defers to the architecture part.
• GTK+ and Qt stacks: Detailed interface and data definitions for major desktop libraries are included (e.g., libglib, libgobject, GTK/X11 bindings, libQtCore/libQtGui and related Qt modules), ensuring GUI portability.
• Graphics, fonts, and X libraries: Coverage includes graphics libraries (cairo, libgdk_pixbuf), font and text stacks (pango, fontconfig, freetype) and X11/XCB interfaces relevant to desktop apps.
• Package format & installation: Guidance on package dependencies and installation behavior to support consistent install-time scripting and runtime expectations.
• Mandatory interfaces: Interfaces described are mandatory except where explicitly noted-critical for conformity testing and application portability.

Practical applications - who should use it

• Independent software vendors (ISVs) packaging desktop applications for Linux AMD64: use the standard to target multiple distributions with a single binary.
• Distribution maintainers and packagers: ensure shipped environments meet LSB AMD64 desktop requirements for compatibility.
• Application developers: verify which ABIs/APIs are guaranteed on LSB-conformant AMD64 systems and avoid non‑portable dependencies.
• Quality assurance and certification teams: test conformance of desktop images and runtime stacks.

Related standards and context

• Use this part together with the LSB Desktop common part and the LSB Core module for a complete interface specification.
• Published by ISO/IEC and prepared by the Linux Foundation; first edition replaces earlier LSB parts and is identified as ISO/IEC 23360-4-3:2021.

Keywords: Linux Standard Base, LSB, ISO/IEC 23360-4-3:2021, AMD64, x86-64, desktop specification, ABI, API, GTK, Qt, package dependencies, binary compatibility.