Introduction to Linux Lunar
Lunar Linux is a GNU / Linux distribution that is distinguished by its focus on compilation from the source code, following the "source-based" philosophy similar to Gentoo but with its own package manager calledlunar. In this article we will explore your history, your main features, the installation process and why it can be an interesting option for advanced users and developers.
Origin and philosophy
Created in the early 2000's by a group of enthusiasts looking for a fully optimized system for user hardware, Lunar Linux was born as an independent project. Its mantra is' Compile what you run ', which means that each package is built in the machine where it is installed, allowing fine adjustments of compilation, removal of unnecessary dependencies and specific optimization of architecture (as -march = native).
Highlights
- Packaging manager
lunarbased on construction scripts calledmoonfiles. - System of branches (stable, testing, unstable) that allows you to choose the level of risk.
- Focus on minimalism: the base installation includes only the kernel, essential tools and package manager.
- Compatibility with most Gentoo packages thanks to the reuse of adapted ebuilds.
- Active Community that maintains detailed documentation and a collaborative wiki.
Installation process
The installation of Lunar Linux is done from a live environment that contains a basic recovery environment. The general steps are:
- Start the live and partition the disk as needed (an ext4 root partition and a swap are recommended).
- Mount the partitions and run the installation script
lunar-install. - Select the architecture profile (x86 _ 64, i686, arm, etc.) and the substructure for optimization.
- Configure the clock, location and keyboard.
- Install package manager
lunarand synchronize the moonfiles tree. - Compile the base system (kernel, glibc, choreutils, etc.) from source.
- Restart and enter the new system.
During installation, the user can adjust theCFLAGSandCXXFLAGSin the file/etc/lunar/make.confto tune performance.
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the advantages are the ability to create a highly adapted system, the elimination of bloatware and deep learning on how each component works. On the other hand, source compilation can take a lot of time and require good internet connection and sufficient disk space for intermediate sources and objects.
Who's Lunar Linux for?
Lunar Linux is aimed at users who enjoy adjusting their system to source code level, developers who need reproducible compilation environments and administrators who seek a server free of unnecessary packages. It is not the best option for beginners looking for an 'out-of-the-box' experience, but for those who see in the compilation a form of total optimization and control.
Conclusion
Lunar Linux represents an interesting alternative within the source-based distribution ecosystem. Your focus on custom compilation, your simple package manager and your active community make it worth considering for anyone who wants to take your Linux to the next level of performance and customization.
