Chapter 10. Linux® Binary Compatibility
Prev | Part II. Common Tasks | Next

## Chapter 10. Linux® Binary Compatibility

Restructured and parts updated by Jim Mock.
Originally contributed by Brian N. Handy and Rich Murphey.

## 10.1. Synopsis

FreeBSD provides binary compatibility with Linux®, allowing users to install and run most Linux® binaries on a FreeBSD system without having to first modify the binary. It has even been reported that, in some situations, Linux® binaries perform better on FreeBSD than they do on Linux®.

However, some Linux®-specific operating system features are not supported under FreeBSD. For example, Linux® binaries will not work on FreeBSD if they overly use i386™ specific calls, such as enabling virtual 8086 mode.

### Note:

Support for 64-bit binary compatibility with Linux® was added in FreeBSD 10.3.

After reading this chapter, you will know:

- How to enable Linux® binary compatibility on a FreeBSD system.

- How to install additional Linux® shared libraries.

- How to install Linux® applications on a FreeBSD system.

- The implementation details of Linux® compatibility in FreeBSD.

Before reading this chapter, you should:

- Know how to install additional third-party software.

Prev | Up | Next
9.6. Other Printing Systems | Home | 10.2. Configuring Linux® Binary Compatibility

All FreeBSD documents are available for download at https://download.freebsd.org/ftp/doc/

Questions that are not answered by the documentation may be sent to <freebsd-questions@FreeBSD.org>.
Send questions about this document to <freebsd-doc@FreeBSD.org>.