What does the rc1, rc2, ... in the version number of core mean ?

[cryp71x]

I want to install Bitcoin Core on my system which I have newly formatted. I have done this several times before. Now, I am wondering which version to use.
The newest one is v0.14.2rc2 But what the hell does the rc2 mean?

Also, is it best practice to always install the newest version of core in terms of reliability and safety?

Is it possible to install a new version of core although there is already a core client with an older version installed?

[cr1776]

I want to install Bitcoin Core on my system which I have newly formatted. I have done this several times before. Now, I am wondering which version to use.
The newest one is v0.14.2rc2 But what the hell does the rc2 mean?

Also, is it best practice to always install the newest version of core in terms of reliability and safety?

Is it possible to install a new version of core although there is already a core client with an older version installed?

rc2 = release candidate 2

It means 0.14.2 is getting close to release depending on any bugs found in 0.14.2rcX

I'd recommend 0.14.1 until 0.14.2 is out unless you wish to be testing it.

[cryp71x]

Thank you cr1776. This makes it clear to me.   

If I want to compile 0.14.2, lets say in some weeks, is it possible to just run the usual

./autogen.sh
./configure
make
sudo make install

or do I have to delete 0.14.1 before this procedure on my Linux System? So my question is how to "upgrade" the Core Client to a newer version.
I installed the Core only on fresh systems so far.

[achow101]

Thank you cr1776. This makes it clear to me.   

If I want to compile 0.14.2, lets say in some weeks, is it possible to just run the usual

./autogen.sh
./configure
make
sudo make install

or do I have to delete 0.14.1 before this procedure on my Linux System? So my question is how to "upgrade" the Core Client to a newer version.
I installed the Core only on fresh systems so far.

You don't have to uninstall or remove any of the previous files. Make install will overwrite the old ones with the new ones automatically.