João Otávio Stivi [Profile]

Chief Technology Officer at Square Cloud

Article written by João Otávio Stivi in 28/01/2024.

In the realm of software, LTS stands for Long-Term Support. It’s a special version of software that developers commit to supporting and maintaining for an extended period. Essentially, LTS versions receive prolonged attention, including security updates, bug fixes, and sometimes even new features.

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About LTS Versions

Is an LTS version the right choice for your business? Before answering this question, it’s essential to understand the difference between LTS and non-LTS versions.

Key Advantages of LTS Versions:

  • Stability and Reliability: LTS versions go through extensive testing, making them the most stable and reliable releases. This makes them ideal for production environments where minimizing downtime and security risks is crucial.

  • Extended Support Lifespan: LTS versions usually enjoy support for several years, offering businesses assurance that their software will remain secure and up-to-date.

  • Reduced Maintenance Costs: Opting for LTS versions allows businesses to cut down on the costs and effort associated with frequent software updates and upgrades.

  • Access to Critical Updates: Security patches and bug fixes are vital for maintaining software integrity. LTS versions ensure that these updates are available for an extended period.

Example: Node.js 20 as an LTS Release

Consider Node.js v20 LTS as an example. This version will receive security patches and critical bug fixes for an extended period, making it a reliable choice for production environments.

Article about Node.js 20 LTS

Node.js 20 has officially earned the Long-Term Support (LTS) designation, bringing along exciting new features and enhancements.

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What Square Cloud recommends?

Square Cloud recommends the recommended version in all supported languages, which is a version tested by experts, and it will always be recommended.

Example about a squarecloud.app config file.

DISPLAY_NAME=My Production app!
VERSION=recommended
MAIN=src/index.js
MEMORY=1024

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Conclusion

LTS versions bring significant advantages for businesses prioritizing stability, security, and long-term support. Understanding these benefits enables informed decisions about which software versions to adopt for specific needs.

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