Why are bugs fixed in the development release and then backported instead of porting the fixes forward?

Question

I understand that backport repository sometimes contains the newer versions of Softwares (major upgrades) and which might be included in the next Ubuntu release. But not all of the softwares aren't backported to the previous release even if it is an LTS.

I don't really fully understand the reason behind this policy. Does this measn the next release (development version) is more important than an LTS release? Or I have missed something?

Answer 1

When an Ubuntu version is released, it features get frozen. The updates provided for it is mostly security updates and patches. But major changes of software will not be released (included in the repository) for this release.

That is why the default enabled Ubuntu repositories include security-updates, updates and proposed repositories. The first two repositories include bug-fixes and security updates and proposed is used for testing the newer updates.

Mainly the backports repository's function as said in the Wiki is --

Backports offers a way to selectively provide newer versions of software for older Ubuntu releases. Most commonly, the Backports team will provide new versions of standalone applications which can be safely updated without impacting the rest of the system.

That means, while it was perfectly valid for Canonical for not providing any newer version of standalone software (major releases), You still have a chance to install softwares which are backported. But these are only provided by backporters and they try their best to ensure that, nothing will break. (but it can break the existing softwares sometimes). That means this is a best-effort support and that is why it is labeled as unofficial updates in software-source (software-properties-gtk).

In short words, Backports are not provided by Canonical and you should be glad that some developers tried their best and invested time and energy to bring you new versions of the softwares even after the version is freezed.

I think, I have made it somewhat clear.

Also take a look at this thread

Answer 2

Just to add to what @Olive Twist said, LTS versions of Ubuntu are not about giving you even more cutting edge software, its about stability for the long term.

It is aimed at people who do not want and sometimes can not afford (like in multiple station installations, servers etc.) to install new OS or risk upgrade the OS (not to mention the time it will take to upgrade 50 machines every 6 months).

They can't have their system broken by some new software, and that is why LTS versions contain LESS new stuff, and are NOT using debian unstable packages (correct me if I'm wrong).