Linux distribution binary compatibility

Statically linking your binaries makes them LESS portable because some libraries won't then work correctly for that machine (differing authentication methods, etc).

If you statically link any "unusual" libraries and keep your set of supported distros to a minimum, you should be ok.

Don't statically link the C library (or the whole binary), that's a recipe for trouble :)

Look at what (e.g.) Google do with Chrome.

Enter Linux Standard Base to reduce the differences between individual Linux distributions. See

• http://www.linuxfoundation.org/collaborate/workgroups/lsb
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_Standard_Base