Canonical, the company behind the popular Linux distribution Ubuntu, has launched its latest long-term support version, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, named Noble Numbat. This release promises to deliver a suite of enhancements centered around performance engineering, security, and an improved developer experience.
As with previous LTS (Long-Term Support) versions, Canonical guarantees updates and maintenance for at least five years, addressing critical functional issues and security vulnerabilities. For subscribers of the Ubuntu Pro plan, the support extends up to 12 years, although additional years beyond the tenth require separate activation, should they be necessary by 2034.
Mark Shuttleworth, CEO of Canonical, describes the 24.04 release as “a bold step forward in performance engineering and confidential computing.” Despite this, the new version is more of an evolutionary upgrade, building on its predecessors without introducing radical changes.
Technical Innovations in Ubuntu 24.04
Ubuntu 24.04 brings several noteworthy improvements, particularly in its performance capabilities. Canonical has enabled frame pointers across all 64-bit architectures by default, enhancing diagnostics and debugging processes. The standard kernel, version 6.8, incorporates numerous features aimed at reducing latency.
Developers will find updated programming environments with Python 3.12, Ruby 3.2, PHP 8.3, and Go 1.22 included. Java is represented with OpenJDK 21 as the default, while still supporting versions 17, 11, and 8. Notably, versions 14 and 21 are TCK-certified. The latest updates also introduce Rust 1.75 and .NET 8 from the outset.
For those who prefer graphical interfaces, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS offers Gnome 46. However, alternatives like Kubuntu or Xubuntu are also available with the 24.04 release, catering to different user preferences.
Deeper Insights and Additional Resources
Canonical has made detailed release notes available, providing a deeper look into all the changes. They also offer a comprehensive deep dive into the new version for those interested in exploring its capabilities and enhancements further.
The Noble Numbat Mascot
Embodying the spirit of this release is its mascot, the Noble Numbat, an endangered species native to Australia. Known locally as the ‘edler Ameisenbeutler’ or ‘noble ant-eating marsupial,’ it shares its home continent with the well-known Linux mascot, Tux the Penguin, underscoring a playful geographical kinship.