LTS is a term that you may have heard thrown around in the world of software development. But what exactly is it? LTS stands for “Long-Term Support,” and it refers to a specific type of software release. In this article, we’ll explore what LTS is and why it’s important.
As mentioned, LTS stands for Long-Term Support. But what does that mean? In the context of software development, it refers to a specific release of a piece of software that will be supported with updates and patches for an extended period of time. How long that period is can vary, but it’s typically several years (three to five years is common).
Why is this important? There are a few reasons. First, it means that users of the software can be confident that it will continue to receive security updates and bug fixes for an extended period of time. This is particularly important for businesses or organizations that rely on a piece of software to function: they need to know that their software will continue to work properly and securely.
Second, it provides a stable platform for developers to build upon. When a software release is designated as LTS, it means that it will be supported with updates, but those updates will be focused on addressing bugs and security issues, rather than introducing new features or functionality. This provides a stable foundation for other developers to build upon, without worrying about major changes that could break their code.
Many popular software projects have LTS releases. One notable example is Ubuntu, a popular Linux distribution. Ubuntu releases LTS versions every two years, with each release receiving five years of support. This means that users of the LTS version can be confident that they will receive updates and security patches for a full five years after the initial release.
Another example is Node.js, a popular server-side JavaScript runtime. Node.js has a LTS release that is typically supported for 30 months (two-and-a-half years) after the initial release. This means that developers can build upon a stable platform for an extended period of time, without worrying about major changes disrupting their work.
LTS releases are an important part of the software development world. They provide users with long-term support and stability, while also providing a stable foundation for developers to build upon. If you’re using a piece of software that has an LTS release, it’s worth considering using that version to ensure long-term stability and security.
