Alpine Linux is a security-oriented, lightweight Linux distribution built around musl libc and BusyBox. It is widely used for containers, small servers, and minimal systems where size and security matter.
edge.| Version | Release Date | Release Info |
|---|---|---|
| Alpine Linux 3.23.3 | 2026-01-27 | https://www.alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.20.9-3.21.6-3.22.3-3.23.3-released.html |
| Alpine Linux 3.23.2 | 2025-12-17 | https://www.alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.23.2-released.html |
| Alpine Linux 3.23.0 | 2025-12-03 | https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.23.0-released.html |
| Alpine Linux 3.22.3 | 2026-01-27 | https://www.alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.20.9-3.21.6-3.22.3-3.23.3-released.html |
| Alpine Linux 3.22.0 | 2025-05-30 | https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.22.0-released.html |
| Alpine Linux 3.21.6 | 2026-01-27 | https://www.alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.20.9-3.21.6-3.22.3-3.23.3-released.html |
| Alpine Linux 3.21.0 | 2024-12-05 | https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.21.0-released.html |
| Alpine Linux 3.20.9 | 2026-01-27 | https://www.alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.20.9-3.21.6-3.22.3-3.23.3-released.html |
| Alpine Linux 3.20.0 | 2024-05-22 | https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.20.0-released.html |
| Alpine Linux 3.19.0 | 2023-12-07 | https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.19.0-released.html |
| Alpine Linux 3.18.0 | 2023-05-31 | https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.18.0-released.html |
| Alpine Linux 3.17.0 | 2022-11-22 | https://alpinelinux.org/posts/Alpine-3.17.0-released.html |
| Branch | Latest Version | End of Main Support | End of Community Support | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| v3.23 | 3.23.3 | 2027-11-01 | 2027-11-01 | 🟢 Fully Supported |
| v3.22 | 3.22.3 | 2027-05-01 | 2026-11-01 | 🟢 Fully Supported |
| v3.21 | 3.21.6 | 2026-11-01 | 2025-12-01 | 🟢 Fully Supported |
| v3.20 | 3.20.9 | 2026-04-01 | 2025-06-01 | 🟢 Fully Supported |
| v3.19 | 3.19.9 | 2025-11-01 | 2024-12-01 | 🟡 On Request |
| v3.18 | 3.18.12 | 2025-05-09 | 2024-05-09 | 🟡 On Request |
| Component | Version (3.23.x) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kernel | Linux 6.12 LTS | Long-term support kernel |
| C Library | musl libc 1.2.x | Lightweight, security-focused C library |
| Toolchain | GCC 14.x | GNU Compiler Collection |
| Shell | BusyBox 1.36.x | Multi-call binary providing Unix utilities |
| Init System | OpenRC | Dependency-based init system |
| Package Manager | apk-tools 2.14.x | Alpine Package Keeper |
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| musl libc | Security-focused C library with bounds checking |
| BusyBox | Minimal attack surface with single-binary utilities |
| PaX/Grsecurity | Optional kernel hardening patches |
| PIE (Position Independent Executables) | All packages compiled as PIE by default |
| Stack Smashing Protection | Buffer overflow protection enabled |
| OpenSSL | Regular security updates across all branches |
| Image Type | Approximate Size | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Base image | ~5 MB | Minimal container base |
| Standard install | ~150 MB | Full server installation |
| Extended install | ~500 MB | Development environment |
| Virtual appliance | ~300 MB | VM deployments |