Solus Linux is preparing an epoch bump at the end of 2025 to reset its package repositories and address technical debt. This change will enable major updates like removing Python 2 support and upgrading systemd without disrupting current users. The move aims to modernize the distribution and improve its competitiveness.
Solus Linux, an independent distribution known for its curated rolling release model and Budgie desktop environment, is set to implement an epoch bump as 2025 ends. This strategic shift resets the package repository’s binary version, allowing sweeping changes to tackle longstanding technical debts and ensure long-term viability.
Key updates include the complete removal of Python 2 support, a legacy language that ended official life in 2020. This purge eliminates outdated dependencies that bloat the system and complicate maintenance for modern Python 3 applications, reducing security risks and enhancing performance.
The project will also upgrade systemd, the init system managing services and processes. This promises enhanced stability, improved container support, and better resource management, making Solus more suitable for server environments and development workflows.
Another reform is finalizing the /usr merge, consolidating directories like /bin, /sbin, and /lib under /usr to simplify package management and reduce duplication. This aligns Solus with upstream standards for better compatibility.
The eopkg package manager’s repository structure will be bumped, requiring users to perform a full system refresh. The team, led by figures like Ikey Doherty and Joshua Strobl, provides migration guides to minimize disruptions. A new “Polaris” repository branch enables phased rollouts and testing.
These changes, incorporating community feedback, position Solus for future challenges like AI integration and enhanced security. While the transition risks temporary instability, it underscores the need for periodic reinvention in open-source ecosystems.