Linus Torvalds: No Kernel 3.0

Aug 23, 2007

Linux inventor Linus Torvalds says there's no need for Kernel 3.0.

You don't have to increase the version number to show how good you are, says Linus Torvalds. He does not anticipate work on version 3.0 of the Linux kernel starting in the near future. "We've been very good at introducing even pretty big new features without impacting the code-base in a disruptive manner, and without breaking any old functionality." says Torvalds, promising that there will not be a "get the new and improved version 3" campaign.

The current course of development with short release cycles is very close to the developer kernel, and this helps to avoid issues. A multiple year cycle for kernel development would not work. Although this model was necessary for awhile, as the kernel programmers had to make a few radical changes, version 2.6 of the kernel codebase is in good shape. The improved development process makes it unnecessary to revert to the "change everything" model.

Although Torvalds is very happy with kernel development he is unhappy with support from some hardware manufacturers. When asked what he would say to manufacturers who refuse to provide specifications and data sheets for kernel development, Torvalds is quoted as responding "Is "I hope you all die a painful death" too strong?", before going on to say that it was good news that the numbers of hardware vendors who cooperate with the Open Source community is growing, and praising Intel in particular.

Related content

comments powered by Disqus

Issue 260/2022

Buy this issue as a PDF

Digital Issue: Price $12.99
(incl. VAT)

News

Tag Cloud

Administration Community Desktop Events Hardware Linux Linux Pro Magazine Mobile Programming Software Ubuntu Web Development Windows free software open source