Amazon Linux 2 is a Linux distribution provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It is designed specifically for running applications and workloads on AWS infrastructure. Amazon Linux 2 is the successor to the original Amazon Linux distribution and includes several improvements and enhancements.

Key features and characteristics of Amazon Linux 2 include:

1. Long-term Support (LTS): Amazon Linux 2 follows a 5-year support lifecycle, providing stability and security updates for a longer period.

2. Compatibility: It is designed to be highly compatible with existing Amazon Linux and CentOS/RHEL-based applications. This compatibility allows for easy migration and deployment of applications from other Linux distributions.

3. Optimized for AWS: Amazon Linux 2 is optimized for running on AWS infrastructure, including AWS services and instances. It includes pre-configured packages and tools for easy integration with AWS services.

4. Enhanced Performance: The distribution is built to deliver improved performance with reduced latency and enhanced scalability. It includes performance enhancements, such as the Linux Kernel 4.14 tuned for optimal performance on AWS.

5. Docker and Container Support: Amazon Linux 2 includes built-in support for Docker and containers, making it easy to run containerized applications and leverage container orchestration frameworks like Amazon Elastic Container Service (ECS) and Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS).

6. Security and Compliance: Amazon Linux 2 provides enhanced security features, regular security updates, and integration with AWS security services. It also meets various compliance standards, including PCI DSS, HIPAA, and ISO 9001, making it suitable for regulated environments.

7. Improved Package Manager: Amazon Linux 2 uses the yum package manager with the Amazon Linux Extras repository, allowing easy installation and management of additional software packages and libraries.

Overall, Amazon Linux 2 is a flexible and robust Linux distribution tailored for AWS environments, offering compatibility, performance, security, and ease of use for running applications and workloads in the cloud.