"Linux From Scratch" provides step-by-step guidance for building a personalized Linux operating system from the ground up. By following the instructions, users can create a customized version of Linux that meets their specific needs and preferences.
The primary reason for the existence of LFS is to teach people how a Linux system works internally. With LFS, you will learn everything about how Linux works, how it all fits together, and how to customize it to your liking. Another fantastic thing about LFS is that you are in total control of the system. You can set up every little detail, from the directory layout to the boot script setup. Moreover, you will know precisely how, where, and why every program is installed.
LFS allows you to create a very compact Linux system that only includes the programs you need, without any unnecessary bloatware. Regular distributions have a lot of programs you will probably never use, eating away at your disk space. But with LFS, you can create a minimal Linux system. You can even create an embedded Linux system with LFS that only runs a specific program.
Using a hamburger analogy, a regular distribution is like buying a hamburger from the supermarket or a fast-food restaurant without knowing precisely what is in it. On the other hand, LFS gives you the ingredients to make a hamburger, allowing you to remove unwanted ingredients or add others to enhance the flavor. Once you're satisfied with the ingredients, you can put them together just the way you like it. Another analogy is that LFS provides a house's skeleton, and you can install everything you need to make it a functional house.
With a custom-built Linux system like LFS, you can also be confident in the added security. Since you build the entire system from scratch, you can audit everything and apply all the security patches you need. You don't have to rely on somebody else to patch any security holes, and you never have to wonder if the new package truly fixes the issue.
In conclusion, LFS is an excellent project for anyone who wants to learn more about how Linux works and customize it to their liking. With LFS, you are in complete control over the system, and you do not have to rely on anyone else's implementation. The security benefits of LFS are also significant. Overall, if you want to get under the hood of Linux and create your custom system, LFS is the way to go.
Version 6.4 / 6.5 RC2: N/A