Void Linux
Void Linux is an independent rolling distribution built from scratch around runit and XBPS. It ships as a compact live image, runs without systemd and keeps the base system lean.
Void was started in 2008 and has been rolling continuously since. Packages are handled by XBPS with shared library dependency tracking, and services are managed by runit's tiny supervision tree instead of systemd. Both glibc and musl builds are published, and the same installer covers dozens of desktop choices or a bare base. Releases are dated live images rather than versioned drops, so an installed system simply stays current.
Key facts
- First release: 2008.
- Rolling model with dated live images (20240314 snapshot shipped kernel 6.6).
- runit init, XBPS packages, no systemd.
- glibc and musl builds published side by side.
Best for: Users who want a systemd-free rolling system that stays light, boots fast and never needs a release upgrade.
Recent releases
| Version | Released | Kernel |
|---|---|---|
| 20240314 | 14 March 2024 | 6.6 |
| 20230628 | 28 June 2023 | 6.4 |
| 20221015 | 15 October 2022 | 5.19 |
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FAQ
Does Void Linux use systemd?
No. Services are supervised by runit, which keeps a very small service tree and restarts daemons instantly if they stop.
What is XBPS?
XBPS is Void's native package manager. It resolves shared library dependencies, supports transactions and can build packages from source templates.
Is there a musl edition?
Yes. Void publishes parallel glibc and musl install images for x86_64, and musl is the default architecture on several platforms.