How to Check Kernel Version in Linux?
To check the Kernel Version in Linux, we have different types of ways and methods that will help us to get the kernel version of the system. Below are the ways through which we can get the kernel version:
Table of Content
- How to Check Kernel Version Using uname Command in Linux
- How to Check Kernel Version Using hostnamectl Command in Linux
- How to Check Kernel Version by viewing /proc/version File in Linux
- How to Check Kernel Version Using dmesg Command in Linux
- How to Check Kernel Version Using the dpkg Command in Linux
- How to Check Kernel Version Using the ls Command for Kernel Images in Linux
So, we will get the version of the kernel by using all these above-specified methods:
How to Check Kernel Version in Linux
The kernel in the Linux Operating System is the core brain component of OS. Kernel in Linux OS is mainly a bridge between the hardware and the software layers. All the necessary services and the functionalities of the OS and the application are been provided by Kernel. The kernel has its version which differs according to the system. Knowing this version of the Kernel can be important when we need to perform the troubleshooting of our system hardware or in the scenario of system maintenance.
There is the standard format of kernel which is represented in the form of “a.b.c“. Each numerical has its specification which is stated below:
- Major Version (a): The major version of Kernel describes the important updates and changes to the Kernel. All the architectural changes, newly added features, etc. are represented using the Major Version.
- Minor Version (b): The minor version of the Kernel describes or presents the smaller updates, recent bug fixes, and some potential feature improvements in the major version. All the minor versions are created to be reversed compatible, in summary, minor versions can be applied to the same major version without introducing any problems.
- Patch Level (c): The patch level of the Kernel describes the incremental updates and some bug fixes that are associated with the above minor version. Patch level is associated with resolving software bugs, addressing security flaws, etc. These are reversed and compatible with the same major and minor versions without introducing any issues with the compatibility.