Linus Torvalds: No Kernel 3.0
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.
Issue 43: Getting Started with Linux – /Special Editions
Buy this issue as a PDF
News
-
Ubuntu 21.10 Released and Finally Includes GNOME 40
The most anticipated update to Ubuntu is finally here and the workflow couldn't be better.
-
Linux Can Now Run on Apple’s M1 Chipset
Linux users looking to take advantage of Apple Silicon are about to get their wish with the M1 chipset.
-
MX Linux 21 RC Candidate Available For Testing
The MX Linux development team has released the RC images for MX Linux 21 for testing purposes.
-
Fedora 35 is Shaping Up to Be an Impressive Release
Although the beta version of Fedora’s upcoming release is behind schedule, the Linux distribution is still slotted for October and will include numerous bug fixes and some exciting new features.
-
Canonical Extends Support For Ubuntu 14.04 and 16.04
The company behind Ubuntu offered a much-needed lifeline to those who still depend on older versions of the open-source operating system.
-
GNOME 41 Has Arrived
The latest version of the GNOME desktop environment has been released with new functionality and plenty of improvements.
-
System76 Updates the 15" Pangolin with Ryzen
System76 announced they’re updating the Ryzen-powered Pangolin laptop to meet today’s need for more power.
-
KDE Plasma 5.23 Promises Plenty of Subtle Improvements
The next release of the KDE Plasma desktop includes new features, numerous improvements, and plenty of bug fixes.
-
GNOME 41 Beta is Now Available
The most popular open-source desktop environment is on the cusp of yet another new release, but don’t expect the massive changes found in the previous iteration.
-
Debian 11 “Bullseye” Now Available
The developers of Debian have released the latest version of the operating system so many distributions depend on.