Reference

Reference materials are information-oriented technical descriptions that provide detailed, accurate information about Garden Linux. They describe how things work and what options are available.

Available Reference documentation

Glossary

Supporting ToolsDocumentation of several Garden Linux related Tools

BuilderAn overview of the Builder Tool

Release DatabaseHow to use the Garden Linux Release Database

Python LibraryAn overview of the Garden Linux Python Library

ReleasesGarden Linux release information: lifecycle phases, maintained releases, archived releases, and release notes.

Release LifecycleGarden Linux release lifecycle phases: standard maintenance, extended maintenance, and end of support.

Maintained ReleasesCurrently maintained Garden Linux releases with support dates and timelines

Archived ReleasesGarden Linux releases that have reached end of maintenance and are no longer supported

Release NotesGarden Linux release notes organized by version.

Release 2150.2.0Release notes for Garden Linux 2150.2.0, published at April 29, 2026.

Release 1877.16Release notes for Garden Linux 1877.16, published at April 30, 2026.

ArchivedRelease notes for archived Garden Linux releases that have reached end of maintenance

TestingGarden Linux Testing references

Developing TestsComprehensive guidelines for developing and maintaining tests in the Garden Linux test framework

Test Coverage MarkersGuide to test coverage markers for establishing traceability between features and tests

Test CLI ReferenceComplete command-line interface reference for the Garden Linux test runner

Architecture Decision Records (ADR)

ADR 0001: Adopting Architecture Decision Records (ADR) for Garden Linux

ADR 0002: Distributions Can Never Change Retroactively

ADR 0003: Update the Builder using Dependabot

ADR 0004: Vendoring dependencies in Go Applications

ADR 0005: How to handle Secure Boot Keys in glci

ADR 0006: New Test Framework to enable In-Place, Self-Contained Test Execution

ADR 0007: Non-Invasive, Read-Only Testing

ADR 0008: Unified and Declarative Test Logic

ADR 0009: Flexible Distribution and Reporting

ADR 0010: Incremental Migration and Coexistence of Tests

ADR 0011: Garden Linux versioning

ADR 0012: Remove the Firecracker Feature from Garden Linux

ADR 0013: Discontinue `packages_musthave` tests

ADR 0014: Enforce Pull Request References in git Commit History

ADR 0015: No Backports from Debian Stable in Garden Linux

ADR 0016: Avoid Host Dependency on `retry` Command in Makefile for tests-ng

ADR 0017: Retain Shell-Based CIS Implementation for tests-ng (No Custom Python Rewrite)

ADR 0018: Revert ADR 3 Update the Builder using Dependabot

ADR 0019: Standardize on systemd Timers

ADR 0020: Enforce Single Platform by Default in Garden Linux Builder

ADR 0021: Use of tiger tool in tests-ng

ADR 0022: System State Diffing in tests-ng

ADR 0023: Providing Garden Linux Images for Lima-VM via Containerized YAML Generator

ADR 0024: Promote Lima Image to Official Garden Linux Product

ADR 0025: Disable Debsums Tests entirely

ADR 0026: Use Parser Plugins for Files and Command Output in Test Framework

ADR 0027: Do not use systemd release candidates

ADR 0028: Pinning All GitHub Actions in Garden Linux Workflows

ADR 0029: Build features/cis with SELINUX=permissive Instead of SELINUX=enforcing

ADR 0030: Defining python-gardenlinux-lib as an internal tool

ADR 0031: S3 Artifact and Metadata Publishing Contract Between Builder and GLCI

ADR 0032: Static Feature/Test Coverage Analysis for Test Framework

Installation

Container ImagesComplete table of Garden Linux OCI Container Images

FeaturesDetailed specification of Features

Feature: _bfpxe

Feature: _build

Feature: _curl

Feature: _debug

Feature: _dev

Feature: _fips

Feature: _fwcfg

Feature: _ignite

Feature: _initrdDebug

Feature: _iso

Feature: _kdump

Feature: _legacy

Feature: _nocrypt

Feature: _nopkg

Feature: _oci

Feature: _prod

Feature: _pxe

Feature: _readonly

Feature: _secureboot

Feature: _selinux

Feature: _slim

Feature: _trustedboot

Feature: _unsigned

Feature: _usi

Feature: ali

Feature: aws

Feature: azure

Feature: baremetal

Feature: base

Feature: bluefield

Feature: capi

Feature: checkbox

Feature: chost

Feature: cis

Feature: cisAudit

Feature: cisModprobe

Feature: cisOS

Feature: cisPackages

Feature: cisPartition

Feature: cisSshd

Feature: cisSysctl

Feature: clamav

Feature: cloud

Feature: container

Feature: fedramp

Feature: firecracker

Feature: firewall

Feature: gardener

Feature: gcp

Feature: gdch

Feature: glvd

Feature: iscsi

Feature: khost

Feature: kvm

Feature: lima

Feature: log

Feature: metal

Feature: multipath

Feature: nodejs

Feature: nvme

Feature: openstack

Feature: openstackCloud

Feature: openstackMetal

Feature: python

Feature: pythonDev

Feature: sap

Feature: sapmachine

Feature: server

Feature: ssh

Feature: sssd

Feature: stig

Feature: stigDev

Feature: vhost

Feature: vmware

Flavor MatrixComplete matrix of Garden Linux flavors with their features and dependencies.

Flavors Configuration ReferenceAuthoritative reference for all fields and syntax in flavors.yaml

Kernel FlavorsAvailable kernel variants for different architectures and use cases

Garden Linux KernelWhy we build the kernel the way we build it

Packaging RulesReference of all authoritative Garden Linux Packaging Rules

Python Library - API ReferenceDetailed documentation for all Python modules and classes in the Garden Linux Python Library

Python Library - Command-Line InterfaceAvailable command-line tools provided by the Garden Linux Python Library

---

About Reference: Following the Diátaxis framework, reference documentation serves as a reliable source of truth. It provides precise technical information, API documentation, configuration options, and specifications. Reference materials are designed to be consulted when you need specific facts or details.