Gentoo Linux
Gentoo compiles every package from source through Portage. USE flags decide which features are built in, OpenRC or systemd supervises services, and the result is a system tuned to your exact hardware.
Gentoo has rolled since 2002 with weekly stage3 snapshots rather than versioned releases. The package manager resolves dependencies, applies USE flag choices and compiles with your compiler flags. Binary packages for common configurations are now also available, which shortens the first install dramatically.
Key facts
- First release: 2002, rolling weekly stage3 snapshots.
- Portage package manager with USE flags.
- OpenRC by default; systemd profile available.
- Binary host packages now offered alongside source builds.
Best for: Users who want complete control over what is compiled into their system and accept build time as the price of precision.
Recent releases
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Compare Gentoo Linux with
FAQ
Does Gentoo still compile everything?
By default yes, but Gentoo now publishes binary packages for common USE flag combinations, and Portage can mix source and binary installs.
What are USE flags?
Compile-time switches that include or exclude features so nothing unused is built or linked.
OpenRC or systemd?
Both profiles are supported. OpenRC is the traditional default; the systemd profile is one line in make.conf.