# Alpine Linux

> Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q4033826](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4033826)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpine_Linux)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alpine-linux

## Summary
Alpine Linux is a lightweight Linux distribution known for its minimal resource usage, making it ideal for embedded systems and containers. First released in 2006, it is based on musl libc and BusyBox, prioritizing security and simplicity. It is used as the foundation for mobile OS postmarketOS and runs on platforms like Raspberry Pi.

## Key Facts
- First released in 2006, originating from Norway and Spain.
- Based on musl libc and BusyBox, designed for minimal resource usage.
- Licensed under GNU GPL v2.0, MIT License, and 2-clause BSD License.
- Runs on x86, ARM, IBM S/390, ppc64, and RISC-V architectures.
- Used as the base for mobile OS postmarketOS.
- Official website: [alpinelinux.org](https://www.alpinelinux.org/).
- Official wiki: [wiki.alpinelinux.org](https://wiki.alpinelinux.org/).
- Twitter handle: [@alpinelinux](https://twitter.com/alpinelinux).
- Mastodon address: [alpinelinux@fosstodon.org](https://fosstodon.org/@alpinelinux).
- Latest stable version: 3.11.5 (released 2020-03-24).
- Package management system: Alpine package manager.
- Official donation page: [alpinelinux.org/donate](https://alpinelinux.org/donate/).

## FAQs
### Q: What makes Alpine Linux lightweight?
A: Alpine Linux uses musl libc and BusyBox, which are designed for minimal resource usage, making it ideal for embedded systems and containers.

### Q: Can Alpine Linux run on Raspberry Pi?
A: Yes, Alpine Linux is compatible with Raspberry Pi and other low-cost single-board computers.

### Q: What licenses does Alpine Linux use?
A: Alpine Linux is licensed under GNU GPL v2.0, MIT License, and 2-clause BSD License.

### Q: What is the latest stable version of Alpine Linux?
A: The latest stable version is 3.11.5, released on March 24, 2020.

### Q: How can I contribute to Alpine Linux?
A: You can contribute by donating to the project or participating in its development through the official GitLab repository.

## Why It Matters
Alpine Linux is significant for its minimalist approach to Linux distribution, making it highly efficient for resource-constrained environments. Its lightweight design has made it a popular choice for Docker containers, embedded systems, and cloud computing. By using musl libc and BusyBox, Alpine Linux reduces the attack surface and improves security. The distribution also supports multiple architectures, including ARM, IBM S/390, ppc64, and RISC-V, making it versatile for various hardware platforms. Its simplicity and security make it a preferred choice for developers and system administrators.

## Notable For
- One of the smallest Linux distributions, ideal for containers and embedded systems.
- Used as the base for mobile OS postmarketOS.
- Supports multiple architectures, including ARM, IBM S/390, ppc64, and RISC-V.
- Licensed under multiple open-source licenses, including GNU GPL v2.0, MIT License, and 2-clause BSD License.
- Actively maintained with regular updates and a strong community.

## Body
### Origins and Development
Alpine Linux was first released in 2006, originating from Norway and Spain. It was developed with a focus on minimalism and security, using musl libc and BusyBox to achieve a lightweight footprint.

### Technical Specifications
- **Base Components**: musl libc and BusyBox.
- **Architectures**: x86, ARM, IBM S/390, ppc64, and RISC-V.
- **Package Management**: Alpine package manager.
- **Licenses**: GNU GPL v2.0, MIT License, and 2-clause BSD License.

### Usage and Adoption
- **Containers**: Frequently used as a base image for Docker containers due to its small size.
- **Embedded Systems**: Ideal for low-resource environments, including Raspberry Pi.
- **Mobile OS**: Used as the foundation for postmarketOS, a mobile operating system.

### Community and Support
- **Official Website**: [alpinelinux.org](https://www.alpinelinux.org/).
- **Official Wiki**: [wiki.alpinelinux.org](https://wiki.alpinelinux.org/).
- **Twitter**: [@alpinelinux](https://twitter.com/alpinelinux).
- **Mastodon**: [alpinelinux@fosstodon.org](https://fosstodon.org/@alpinelinux).
- **GitLab Repository**: [gitlab.alpinelinux.org](https://gitlab.alpinelinux.org/).
- **Donation Page**: [alpinelinux.org/donate](https://alpinelinux.org/donate/).

### Versions and Updates
- **Latest Stable Version**: 3.11.5 (released 2020-03-24).
- **Regular Updates**: Frequent releases to ensure security and stability.

### Related Projects
- **postmarketOS**: A mobile operating system based on Alpine Linux.

## References

1. [Alpine License information. 2017](https://bugs.alpinelinux.org/issues/7423#note-1)
2. [Source](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.7.0-released.html)
3. [Alpine Linux 3.8.0 Released](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.8.0-released.html)
4. [Alpine Linux 3.8.2 released. 2018](https://git.alpinelinux.org/alpine-mksite/commit/?h=production&id=244ca486e307da7454838ab5b512db746cad8cc7)
5. [Alpine Linux 3.9.0 Released](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.9.0-released.html)
6. [Alpine Linux 3.9.2 Released](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.9.2-released.html)
7. [Alpine 3.9.4 released. 2019](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.9.4-released.html)
8. [2019](https://www.alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.10.1-released.html)
9. [2019](https://github.com/alpinelinux/aports/releases/tag/v3.10.1)
10. [2019](https://www.alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.11.0-released.html)
11. [2019](https://www.alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.11.2-released.html)
12. [2020](https://lists.alpinelinux.org/~alpine/announce/%3C20200323213429.20471f1d%40ncopa-desktop.copa.dup.pw%3E)
13. [2020](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.12.0-released.html)
14. [Source](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.12.1-released.html)
15. [Alpine Linux 3.13.0 Released. 2021](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.13.0-released.html)
16. [Alpine Linux 3.13.5 released. 2021](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.13.5-released.html)
17. [Alpine Linux 3.14.0 Released. 2021](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.14.0-released.html)
18. [Alpine Linux 3.14.2 released](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.14.2-released.html)
19. [Alpine Linux 3.14.3 Released](https://www.alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.14.3-released.html)
20. [Alpine Linux 3.15.0 Released](https://www.alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.15.0-released.html)
21. [Alpine 3.11.13, 3.12.9 and 3.13.7 Released](https://www.alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.11.13-3.12.9-3.13.7-released.html)
22. [Source](https://www.alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.16.0-released.html)
23. [Source](https://git.alpinelinux.org/aports/log/?h=v3.16.2)
24. [Source](https://www.alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.13.12-3.14.8-3.15.6-3.16.2-released.html)
25. [Source](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.17.0-released.html)
26. [Source](https://www.alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.17.1-released.html)
27. [Source](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.17.2-released.html)
28. [Alpine Linux 3.17.3 released. 2023](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.17.3-released.html)
29. [Alpine Linux 3.18.0 Released. 2023](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.18.0-released.html)
30. [Alpine 3.15.9, 3.16.6, 3.17.4 and 3.18.2 released. 2023](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.15.9-3.16.6-3.17.4-3.18.2-released.html)
31. [Alpine 3.15.10, 3.16.7, 3.17.5 and 3.18.3 released. 2023](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.15.10-3.16.7-3.17.5-3.18.3-released.html)
32. [2023](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.18.4-released.html)
33. [Alpine 3.15.11, 3.16.8, 3.17.6 and 3.18.5 released. 2023](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.15.11-3.16.8-3.17.6-3.18.5-released.html)
34. [Alpine 3.19.0 released. 2023](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.19.0-released.html)
35. [Alpine 3.19.1 released. 2024](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.19.1-released.html)
36. [Alpine 3.20.0 released | Alpine Linux. 2024](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.20.0-released.html)
37. [Alpine 3.20.1 released. 2024](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.20.1-released.html)
38. [Alpine 3.20.2 released. 2024](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.20.2-released.html)
39. [Alpine 3.17.10, 3.18.9, 3.19.4, 3.20.3 released. 2024](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.17.10-3.18.9-3.19.4-3.20.3-released.html)
40. [Alpine Linux 3.21.0 Released. 2024](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.21.0-released.html)
41. [Alpine 3.21.1 released. 2025](https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.21.1-released.html)
42. [Alpine 3.18.11, 3.19.6, 3.20.5 and 3.21.2 released. 2025](https://www.alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.18.11-3.19.6-3.20.5-3.21.2-released.html)
43. [Alpine 3.18.12, 3.19.7, 3.20.6 and 3.21.3 released. 2025](https://www.alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.18.12-3.19.7-3.20.6-3.21.3-released.html)
44. [Alpine 3.22.0 released. 2025](https://www.alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.22.0-released.html)
45. [Alpine 3.19.8, 3.20.7, 3.21.4 and 3.22.1 released. 2025](https://www.alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.19.8-3.20.7-3.21.4-3.22.1-released.html)
46. [Alpine 3.19.9, 3.20.8, 3.21.5 and 3.22.2 released. 2025](https://www.alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.19.9-3.20.8-3.21.5-3.22.2-released.html)
47. [Alpine 3.23.0 released. 2025](https://www.alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.23.0-released.html)
48. [2025](https://git.alpinelinux.org/aports/tag/?h=v3.23.1)
49. [Source](https://dl-cdn.alpinelinux.org/alpine/v3.23/releases/x86_64/netboot-3.23.1/)
50. [Alpine 3.23.2 released. 2025](https://www.alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.23.2-released.html)