"The Linux kernel development process is akin to a game of leapfrog. Even-numbered kernels (v2.0, v2.2, v2.4) are stable kernels, and odd-numbered kernels are unstable, or development, kernels. As soon as a kernel is released as an even number, the next odd numbered kernel is born, and historically, the previous even-numbered kernel is placed into maintenance mode.
"Thus, with the advent of v2.6, Linux kernel v.2.4 will be maintained with security patches and bug fixes, but official releases of the v2.4 kernel will not contain new features; major updates will be handled in the v2.6 branch. Also following the official release of v2.6, the v2.7 kernel will soon be born and become the rough framework for the as-yet unspecified v2.8 kernel..."
