Difference between Kernel release upgrade and Kernel patch upgrade

[rajarshic]

Hi,

1. Please let me know the differences between Kernel release upgrade and Kernel patch upgrade if there is at all.

2. Generally we would extract the new kernel in some directory and then cut paste the new executables into the global kernel direcory followed by the instance specific kernel directories. My doubt is that during this process many executables will be replaced and some of the old one will continue to remain. What is the significance of the old executables? Do we need to retain them or remove them? Whatever kernel upgrades I've done, I retained the old executables and we never faced issues.

Thanks

[divyanshu_srivastava3 · Accepted solution]

Hi Rajarshi,

Kernel Release is like 700, 710, 720, 721, 740, 741 etc. Which are changes to the way kernel is deployed and used with enhanced functionality.

For every release patches are released where SAP enhances kernel programs to correct bugs, bring enhancements and as per SAP products and OS. Kernel programs are tested as per new OS patches and compiler used for generating programs.

For eg.

Refer: Note 1553300 - 7.20 EXT Kernel - Extended Kernel Maintenance

Regards,

Divyanshu