Gentoo’s Latest Move: Delivering Over 20 GB of Pre-Compiled Binaries to Speed Up Installation and Updates
In a surprising move that has taken the FOSS community by storm, Gentoo has announced the release of over 20 GB of pre-compiled binaries. These binaries cover a wide range of software, including popular desktop environments like KDE Plasma and Gnome, along with office suites, such as LibreOffice, and even Docker. This move is a significant departure from Gentoo’s traditional source-based distribution model and will greatly speed up installation and update processes.
Gentoo is known for its support of various computer architectures, including x86, Arm, PowerPC, and more, making it a versatile and customizable operating system. However, the pre-compiled binaries currently only focus on x86-64 and Arm64 architectures. The project has also provided clear documentation on how to configure and use these binaries via their project wiki.
The traditional method of building distros from source code can be time-consuming and cumbersome. The switch to pre-compiled binaries will greatly simplify testing and facilitate automated deployment processes. Additionally, Gentoo’s optimization for specific computer CPUs allows for more personalized and efficient performance.
This new move from Gentoo has caused quite a stir, as it is a significant shift from their source-based model. However, it has already been utilized in other distros, such as Google’s ChromeOS and Kinvolk’s Flatcar Container Linux. And with over three million users, Gentoo has proven its popularity among paid Chinese distros and even ChromeOS itself.
Die-hard Gentoo fans may still choose to build from source, but this new development is a game-changer for anyone looking for a faster and more user-friendly installation and update process. With over 20 GB of pre-compiled binaries now available, mark your calendars for faster and more streamlined Gentoo experiences.
