# Scientific Linux

> Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q839735](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q839735)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_Linux)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/scientific-linux

## Summary  
Scientific Linux is a Linux-based operating system developed by Fermilab, designed specifically to meet the computing needs of high-energy physics research. It was first released on May 10, 2004, and is built upon Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The latest stable version is 7.9, released on October 20, 2020.

## Key Facts  
- **Developed by**: Fermilab, a high-energy particle physics laboratory headquartered in Batavia, Illinois  
- **Inception**: First released on May 10, 2004  
- **Latest stable version**: 7.9, released on October 20, 2020  
- **Based on**: Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)  
- **License**: GNU General Public License  
- **Primary use**: Scientific computing environments, particularly in physics research  
- **Maintained by**: Fermilab  
- **Website**: [scientificlinux.org](https://www.scientificlinux.org)  
- **Aliases**: SL, لينكس علمي  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Scientific Linux used for?  
A: Scientific Linux is primarily used in scientific computing, especially within high-energy physics research facilities. It provides a stable, secure platform tailored to the needs of researchers working with large-scale computational tasks.

### Q: Who created Scientific Linux?  
A: Scientific Linux was created and is maintained by Fermilab, a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory specializing in particle physics research located in Batavia, Illinois.

### Q: Is Scientific Linux still supported?  
A: As of the last update in 2020, Scientific Linux 7.9 remains the latest stable release. However, users are advised to check official channels at [scientificlinux.org](https://www.scientificlinux.org) for current support status and migration guidance.

## Why It Matters  
Scientific Linux played a crucial role in enabling reproducible, scalable computing infrastructure for scientific institutions, particularly those involved in high-energy physics experiments such as those conducted at CERN and Fermilab. By offering a freely distributable, enterprise-class Linux environment based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux, it allowed smaller labs and universities to access reliable systems without licensing costs. Its development reflected the growing need for open-source solutions in science and demonstrated how domain-specific customization could enhance productivity and collaboration across global research communities.

## Notable For  
- Being purpose-built for scientific computing, especially in high-energy physics  
- Based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux but offered under a free license  
- Developed and maintained by Fermilab, one of the world's leading particle physics laboratories  
- Provided long-term stability and security updates aligned with RHEL releases  
- Widely adopted in international scientific collaborations including CERN  

## Body  

### Overview  
Scientific Linux is a Linux distribution developed by Fermilab to provide a robust, enterprise-level operating system tailored for scientific applications. Designed around the requirements of high-energy physics computing environments, it offers compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux while remaining freely redistributable.

### Development & Maintenance  
The project was initiated in 2004 and has been continuously maintained by Fermilab since then. The team behind Scientific Linux works closely with other national laboratories and academic institutions to ensure that the OS meets evolving demands in scientific computation.

### Technical Foundation  
Scientific Linux is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), ensuring binary compatibility and leveraging the extensive testing and optimization done by Red Hat. This foundation allows Scientific Linux to inherit enterprise-grade features like SELinux integration, advanced clustering tools, and strong hardware support.

### Version History  
Over its lifespan, several major versions have been released:
- **Version 5.x** series began with 5.0 on May 4, 2007, concluding with 5.11 on November 13, 2014  
- **Version 6.x** launched with 6.0 on March 3, 2011, ending with 6.8 on July 15, 2016  
- **Version 7.x**, the final major line, started with 7.1 on April 6, 2015, and culminated in 7.9 on October 20, 2020  

Each version aimed to maintain close alignment with corresponding RHEL releases, providing extended lifecycle support where needed.

### Licensing & Distribution  
Scientific Linux is distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License (GPL). While derived from proprietary RHEL packages, all modifications and additional software included in the distribution comply with open-source standards.

### Community & Support  
Although primarily driven by Fermilab, Scientific Linux benefited from contributions and usage across multiple scientific organizations worldwide. Official documentation, forums, and developer blogs were maintained through [scientificlinux.org](https://www.scientificlinux.org), which also hosted release notes and upgrade guides.

### Legacy & Transition  
With the end of active development signaled after version 7.9, many former users transitioned to CentOS Stream or AlmaLinux—distributions that continue the mission of providing community-driven, enterprise-compatible Linux platforms for scientific and general-purpose use.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.scientificlinux.org/about/)
2. [Source](http://www.scientificlinux.org/downloads/sl-versions/sl5/)
3. [Source](http://www.scientificlinux.org/downloads/sl-versions/sl6/)
4. [Source](https://www.scientificlinux.org/downloads/sl-versions/sl7/)
5. [Source](http://distrib-coffee.ipsl.jussieu.fr/pub/linux/scientific-linux/7.8/)
6. [Scientific Linux 7.8 Release Notes. 2020](http://ftp1.scientificlinux.org/linux/scientific/7x/x86_64/release-notes/)
7. [Scientific Linux 7.9 x86_64 is now available.. 2020](https://listserv.fnal.gov/scripts/wa.exe?A2=SCIENTIFIC-LINUX-ANNOUNCE;1d915be.2010)
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. Quora