How to know Kernel version Linux?

How to Know Kernel Version Linux?

The kernel is the core of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing hardware resources, providing a platform for applications, and ensuring the stability and security of the system. Understanding the kernel version is crucial for troubleshooting, optimizing, and maintaining a Linux system. In this article, we will guide you through the process of identifying the kernel version in Linux.

Step 1: Check the Kernel Version in the System Information

To find the kernel version, you can check the system information in various ways. Here are a few methods:

• Using the uname -r Command: This command displays the kernel version and other system information.
• Using the uname -a Command: This command displays detailed system information, including the kernel version.
• Using the cat /etc/os-release File: This file contains information about the Linux distribution, including the kernel version.

Kernel Version Information

The kernel version is typically displayed in the following format:

• Version: The kernel version, e.g., 4.15.0-42-generic
• Release: The Linux distribution version, e.g., Ubuntu 20.04.1
• Build Date: The date the kernel was built, e.g., 2021-02-15

Step 2: Check the Kernel Version in the Linux System

To find the kernel version in the Linux system, you can use the following commands:

• uname -r Command: This command displays the kernel version.
• uname -a Command: This command displays detailed system information, including the kernel version.
• cat /etc/os-release File: This file contains information about the Linux distribution, including the kernel version.

Kernel Version Examples

Here are some examples of kernel versions:

• Ubuntu 20.04.1: 4.15.0-42-generic
• Ubuntu 18.04.2: 4.13.0-14-generic
• Ubuntu 16.04.7: 4.8.0-14-generic

Step 3: Check the Kernel Version in the Linux Kernel Sources

To find the kernel version in the Linux kernel sources, you can use the following command:

• git show -s --no-commit-id --no-alias kernel-4.15.0-42-generic: This command displays the kernel version in the Linux kernel sources.

Kernel Version Examples

Here are some examples of kernel versions in the Linux kernel sources:

• git show -s --no-commit-id --no-alias kernel-4.15.0-42-generic: 4.15.0-42-generic
• git show -s --no-commit-id --no-alias kernel-4.13.0-14-generic: 4.13.0-14-generic
• git show -s --no-commit-id --no-alias kernel-4.8.0-14-generic: 4.8.0-14-generic

Conclusion

Understanding the kernel version is essential for troubleshooting, optimizing, and maintaining a Linux system. By checking the system information, kernel version in the system, and kernel version in the Linux kernel sources, you can identify the kernel version and make informed decisions about your Linux system.

Tips and Tricks

• Use the uname -r Command: This command is a simple and effective way to find the kernel version.
• Use the uname -a Command: This command provides detailed system information, including the kernel version.
• Use the cat /etc/os-release File: This file contains information about the Linux distribution, including the kernel version.
• Use the git show -s --no-commit-id --no-alias kernel-4.15.0-42-generic Command: This command displays the kernel version in the Linux kernel sources.

By following these steps and tips, you can easily identify the kernel version in Linux and make informed decisions about your system.