Linux standard base releases automated testing tools

The Linux Foundation has released an update to its(LSB) server specifications to allow for automated testing tools.

The update to version 3.1 will make it easier for developers to craft applications that work on multiple Linux distributions. Linux applications currently have to be tested and certified for each Linux distribution.

The standard essentially ensures that an LSB 3.1 certified application work across distributions. The LSB initiative however eliminate the need for certification.

"All the moving parts are coming together to give the Linux ecosystem its first testing framework that will coordinate development of upstream code to standards and downstream implementations," said Jim Zemlin, executive director of the Linux Foundation.

"In order for a standard to be effective, it needs to have a powerful – and usable – testing infrastructure. Our testing framework will deliver that functionality and allow the Linux ecosystem to collaborate and test code while it’s being developed, improving quality and allowing ISVs to reduce their costs and get their feedback into the Linux ecosystem more effectively."

The Free Software Group (FSG) debuted the first LSB standard in 2001. The FSG earlier this year merged with the Open Source Development Labs (OSDL) to form the Linux Foundation.

Most leading Linux distributions including Debian, Novell's SuSE, Red Hat, Ubuntu and Xandros support the standard.

The group also offers a desktop version of its standard that is supported by software developers including IBM, HP, Novell, Red Hat, Sun Microsystems and Real Networks.

The new server testing tools are available for download from the Linux Foundation's website.