Alpine Linux

Spec sheet

Purpose

Alpine Linux is an independent, non-commercial, general purpose Linux distribution designed for power users who value security, simplicity and resource efficiency.Read 11 Oct 2026 · alpinelinux.org

Support

The community page lists #alpine-linux for general discussion and quick support questions, and mailing lists for support and development.Read 11 Oct 2026 · alpinelinux.org

Architectures

The downloads page lists architectures including aarch64, armv7, loongarch64, ppc64le, riscv64, s390x, x86 and x86_64, depending on image type.Read 11 Oct 2026 · alpinelinux.org

Container use

The Mini root filesystem is intended for containers and minimal chroots.Read 11 Oct 2026 · alpinelinux.org

Core components

Alpine is built around musl libc and BusyBox, and uses the apk package manager and OpenRC init system.Read 11 Oct 2026 · alpinelinux.org

Documentation audience

The User Handbook focuses on traditional disk installations, primarily for desktop and server systems, and says other use cases assume sufficient Linux familiarity.Read 11 Oct 2026 · docs.alpinelinux.org

Download formats

Downloads include Standard, Extended, Netboot, Raspberry Pi, Mini root filesystem, Virtual, Generic U-Boot and Xen images.Read 11 Oct 2026 · alpinelinux.org

Extended image

The Extended image includes commonly used packages, is described as suitable for routers and servers, runs from RAM, and includes AMD and Intel microcode updates.Read 11 Oct 2026 · alpinelinux.org

Image verification

The download page provides SHA-256 and GPG links alongside the listed images.Read 11 Oct 2026 · alpinelinux.org

Package selection

Its binary packages are split so users can control what they install, and the repository offers a large package selection.Read 11 Oct 2026 · alpinelinux.org

Security design

Alpine says all userland binaries are compiled as Position Independent Executables with stack smashing protection.Read 11 Oct 2026 · alpinelinux.org

Security tracker

The Alpine Security Issue Tracker monitors distribution security issues using the CVE dictionary, NVD database and Alpine's security fixes database.Read 11 Oct 2026 · security.alpinelinux.org

Small footprint

The site says a container requires no more than 8 MB and a minimal disk installation requires around 130 MB of storage.Read 11 Oct 2026 · alpinelinux.org

Standard image requirement

The Standard image is described as a minimal starting point that requires a network connection.Read 11 Oct 2026 · alpinelinux.org

Virtualization

The Virtual image has a slimmed down kernel and is optimized for virtual systems.Read 11 Oct 2026 · alpinelinux.org

Plans and prices

Every Alpine Linux plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

• Server Operating System#4 of 298.1
• Operating Systems#8 of 428.1