As a Java developer I occasionally have to mess around with Linux C and C++ code. This post is aimed at helping fellow Java developers overcome some Linux backward compatibility issues and navigate the almighty power of GLIBC.
GLIBC is a library of functions used by many Linux packages. Each new release contains bug fixes and new features. While code compiled with an older GLIBC will work with a new GLIBC the inverse is not true. This is where the trouble starts....
GLIBC cannot be upgraded (or at least its not recommended) and asking customers who receive your code to upgrade GLIBC or the OS is a real hassle. So let's do a dive in to the version numbers...