# Snapshot Release

## Introduction

Arch Linux is no doubt a well maintained rolling release distribution that combines both stability and bleeding edge. This approach is therefore neither dynamic nor static state, instead, it is rather a synthetic implementation of the basics of open-source philosophies. A snapshot release captures thus the spirit of Arch linux and provides some users the opportunity to use Arch linux in various environments and settings.

### Objective

Snapshot release intends to follow the Arch way of implementing minimalism and maintenance that can be suited for certain environments and personal needs.

### Rationale

The rationale behind the snapshot release is to provide the Arch linux community the benefits of a rolling release system.

## New Branch

There is no need of "stable" branch, but rather a "state" or "snapshot" branch, containing core and extra packages.

## Pacman

Pacman needs to be patched to handle snapshot release. Those who desires to combine snapshot and rolling release should be able to attain a mixed release system.

### An example of pacman.conf

    #
    # GENERAL OPTIONS
    #
    [options]

    # The default release is rolling. To enable snapshot release, add "Snapshot"
    # instead of "Rolling". There are two priority options for a snapshot release.
    # Priority 1 = Strict system (no rolling)
    # Priority 2 = Mixed system (core snapshot, extra rolling)
    #Release     = Rolling
    #Priority    = 1

    # The following paths are commented out with their default values listed.
    # If you wish to use different paths, uncomment and update the paths.
    #RootDir     = /
    #DBPath      = /var/lib/pacman/

### Adding new functions to pacman

There should be three functions that pacman should perform when pacman.conf is set to Release = Snapshot:

    1.)
    If Release  = Snapshot (Default is Rolling)
     then use:
    Priority = 1 (options 1, 2: 1 = strict system; 2 = mixed system(core=snapshot, extra=rolling))

    2.)
    If Release = Snapshot
      Priority = 1
     then do not use:
    Rolling release repos in mirrorlist.

    3.)
    If Release = Snapshot
       Priority = 2
     then use:
    Both Rollling and Snapshot release repos in mirrorlist.

## Arch Releases

Snapshot Releases should be coordinated with official Arch Releases.

## Status

Archlinux is essentially an unstable rolling release system similar to debian unstable branch, with no real intention of creating a stable release. Many who have used debian unstable or archlinux consider these distributions to be quite stable and meet the necessary requirements for intermediate or advanced users. Archlinux is an excellent platform for developers and for those who want to advance their linux skills.

## Related Projects

See Arch Linux Stable.

Category:

- Arch development