ISO/IEC 23360-5-3:2021

Overview

ISO/IEC 23360-5-3:2021 - "Linux Standard Base (LSB) - Part 5-3: Desktop specification for PowerPC 32 architecture" is the PowerPC 32 (PPC32) architecture–specific part of the LSB Desktop module. It supplements the LSB Desktop common part with the architecture-dependent details needed to define a consistent binary interface (ABI) and minimal installation environment for compiled desktop applications on PPC32 systems. The standard is primarily a binary-interface definition and is intended to enable a uniform industry standard environment for high‑volume applications conforming to the LSB.

Key topics and requirements

• ABI and API scope: Defines mandatory ABIs for PPC32 desktop systems; complements the common LSB Desktop part which covers architecture‑independent interfaces.
• Architecture-specific supplements: Where the common Desktop module references architecture differences, this document provides the PPC32 details.
• Desktop libraries and stacks: Detailed interface and data definitions for prominent desktop stacks and libraries (examples listed in the standard include GTK+ stack libraries - libglib, libgobject, libgtk, libgdk_pixbuf - and Qt libraries - libQtCore, libQtGui, libQtNetwork, libQtSql, etc.), plus X11 and graphics/font libraries (libX11, libcairo, libfreetype, libfontconfig).
• Package format & installation: Requirements for software installation, package dependencies, and a minimal environment to support installation scripts.
• Mandatory vs optional interfaces: Interfaces described in this part are mandatory except where explicitly stated otherwise. The Desktop module supplements LSB Core module interfaces and does not depend on other LSB modules.
• Conformance intent: A conforming implementation must provide the listed ABIs so that compiled binaries behave predictably on PPC32 LSB‑conformant systems.

Practical applications and who uses it

• Linux distribution maintainers and OS vendors - to implement a PPC32 desktop runtime that guarantees binary compatibility for third‑party applications.
• Independent software vendors (ISVs) and application packagers - to compile and package desktop applications that run on multiple LSB‑conformant PPC32 systems without rebuilds.
• System integrators and embedded device manufacturers - to ensure reproducible desktop behavior on PowerPC‑based products.
• QA and certification teams - to validate conformance with LSB Desktop requirements for PPC32. Benefits include improved portability, predictable runtime behavior, and reduced fragmentation for desktop applications on PowerPC 32 systems.

Related standards

• LSB Desktop common part (use together with this PPC32 architecture part)
• LSB Core module (supplemented by the Desktop module)
• Other parts of the ISO/IEC 23360 series and ISO/IEC directives referenced within the document

Keywords: ISO/IEC 23360-5-3:2021, Linux Standard Base, LSB, PowerPC 32, PPC32, Desktop specification, ABI, API, GTK+, Qt, libX11, libcairo, package dependencies, installation.