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> Different distributions run different kernels.

Not so much, no. Linux is the kernel, and all Linux distros, every single one, employs Linux as its kernel, or else it would not be Linux. Stepping back from my pedantry, I believe what you must mean is that different Linux distributions will customize the kernel a bit. That doesn't change what it is. Just because you have automatic windows and I have cranks, and you have leather interior and I have plush doesn't mean our vehicles aren't the exact same year, make and model.




They customise, backport patches, and use different kernel versions.

If you run kernel version A in docker, and try and run a container that was designed to use kernel version B you may run into problems.


Sure, I can imagine, but that is merely a bug, or perhaps the compatibility issue stems from misuse of a general but inaccurate claim of "Linux compatible." My expectation is specific compatibility is stated plainly in the documentation and on the box, if there is one, without ambiguity.


Note that because of Linus's strict policies on userspace compatibility, A>B is basically guaranteed to always be safe, and only A<B will ever cause problems, unless distros add patches that break things.




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