Linus Torvalds discusses the current state of Linux and its future with AI
Linus Torvalds Discusses Rust in Linux, Fatigue among Linux Maintainers, and the Future Role of AI in Linux and Open Source Development at the Open Source Summit Japan
🖥️ Linux Founder Linus Torvalds Talks About the Future of Linux, Maintainers, and More
Linus Torvalds, the brilliant mind behind the Linux operating system, made a rare appearance at the recent Open Source Summit Japan. Joined by his good friend Dirk Hohndel, head of Verizon open source, Torvalds discussed the current state of Linux, shedding light on the future of the kernel, the role of maintainers, and more.
The Next Linux Kernel Release: Christmas Arrival?
The highlight of the conversation was, of course, the upcoming Linux kernel release. Torvalds had released the fourth release candidate for version 6.7 before the event, and if all goes well, Linux 6.7 will be around just in time for Christmas. 😊🎄
However, Torvalds wasn’t thrilled with the idea of a “merge window around Christmas, which destroys Christmas for me.” To ensure that developers and maintainers preparing for version 6.8 can enjoy the holiday season without worry, Torvalds indicated that he might delay the merge window by a week or two. After all, nobody wants to work over Christmas, right? 🎅🎁
Maintainers: More Than Just Superdevelopers
During the conversation, Hohndel brought up the topic of maintainers and their often tiring and stressful role. Torvalds offered some insightful thoughts on what it takes to be a maintainer. Contrary to popular belief, the role doesn’t require someone with superhuman coding skills. Instead, it’s about having good taste in judging other people’s code.
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“To be a maintainer,” Torvalds explained, “you have to have a certain amount of good taste to judge other people’s code. Some of that may be innate, but a lot of it just takes practice.” Maintainers need to be able to look at code and determine if it’s a good approach or a bad one, a skill that comes with experience and years of practice.
But being a maintainer goes beyond just taste and expertise. It also requires constant availability and the ability to work with other maintainers and developers while accommodating vacations and personal time. Torvalds humorously noted that he doesn’t have a problem being available all the time because he loves what he does. Plus, he admitted, he’d be extremely bored on vacation without his laptop. 😄
The Graying Linux Kernel Community
Hohndel pointed out the aging of the Linux kernel community, mentioning that in five years, a considerable number of top Linux kernel contributors will be hitting their 60s and 70s. While this is a valid concern, Torvalds emphasized that the community has a healthy mixture of long-standing maintainers who have been active for over 30 years and newer, younger contributors.
Torvalds mentioned that certain areas of the kernel, such as the driver side, attract more young developers. This diversity in age helps ensure the continuous growth of maintainers, bringing fresh perspectives to the project. It’s heartening to see that the community is not only graying but also evolving. 👦👨👵
Rust in the Linux Kernel: Shaping the Future
The conversation also touched on the use of the Rust programming language in the Linux kernel. Torvalds acknowledged that while Rust hasn’t yet become an indispensable part of the kernel, it presents an opportunity for growth and innovation. Rust provides technical benefits, but more importantly, it pushes the kernel and its developers forward, helping them avoid stagnation.
Torvalds expressed optimism about Rust’s increasing integration into the kernel, with drivers and major subsystems starting to actively use it. While it may take years before Rust plays a significant role in the kernel, its potential is undeniable. The marriage of Rust and Linux is shaping up to be one of those pivotal moments in the history of the operating system. 🦀🐧
Beyond Coding: Communication and Openness
As the conversation drew to a close, Torvalds reflected on the evolution and acceptance of open source over the past three decades. The notion of openness has become ingrained in the industry, and the need to share resources and collaborate across projects and companies has become a standard practice. The Linux Foundation, as a neutral space for collaboration, plays a crucial role in encouraging such cooperation.
Torvalds shared why he chose to work at the Linux Foundation rather than a Linux-focused company: “You need to have a neutral place, and that’s why I gave my name to the Linux Foundation.” As one of the most influential figures in the open source world, Torvalds recognized the importance of fostering an environment that goes beyond individual interests and benefits society as a whole. 🤝
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👩💻 Readers’ Questions and Answers
Q: Will Linux 6.7 really be released around Christmas? A: Linus Torvalds intends to have the next version of Linux, 6.7, ready for release around Christmas if everything progresses smoothly. However, unexpected issues or the famous “showstopper bugs” might cause a slight delay. Let’s cross our fingers and hope for a jolly Linux Christmas! 🎅🎁
Q: What qualities make someone a good maintainer for the Linux kernel? A: According to Linus Torvalds, being a good maintainer isn’t about being a superdeveloper. It’s about having good taste in judging other people’s code and being able to determine whether an approach is good or bad. Experience and practice play a significant role in developing this skill. Additionally, maintainers must be available most of the time and proficient in collaborating with others. It’s a tough job, but there’s always room at the top for those who are up to the challenge!
Q: How is the Linux kernel community preparing for the future when many contributors are getting older? A: While it’s true that the Linux kernel community is aging, it also boasts a mix of long-standing maintainers who have been actively contributing for over 30 years and younger developers who are joining the ranks. Certain areas like the driver side attract more young contributors, infusing the community with fresh perspectives and ensuring its continued growth. So, even as the community grays, it remains vibrant and adaptable.
Q: Will Rust become a significant part of the Linux kernel? A: Rust is slowly gaining traction within the Linux kernel ecosystem. While it hasn’t become an essential part just yet, the integration of Rust into major subsystems and drivers is on the horizon. It will likely take several years before Rust plays a significant role, but its potential is both exciting and promising for the future of the kernel. So, keep an eye on Rust and its growing influence in the Linux world! 🦀🐧
Q: How do maintainers handle the challenges of communication and collaboration? A: Maintaining the Linux kernel involves more than just coding skills; it also requires effective communication and collaboration. Maintainers act as translators, understanding the context and reason behind the code. This creates a resilient and cohesive development process. Open source projects like Linux rely on the ability to work together across companies and projects, and the Linux Foundation plays a vital role in fostering this collaborative environment.
Q: Is artificial intelligence (AI) a concern for the Linux kernel? A: Linus Torvalds doesn’t view AI as a significant concern within the Linux kernel development. Automation has always been helpful in code writing, and AI is no exception. Torvalds believes that AI tools have the potential to spot subtle bugs and offer autocorrect-like suggestions, helping developers produce higher-quality code. While AI may have its quirks, Torvalds remains confident that human mistakes are abundant enough to keep developers occupied. So, he doesn’t lose sleep over AI-induced hallucinations in the Linux kernel! 😄
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📢 Share your thoughts! What are your expectations for the upcoming Linux kernel release? Are you excited about the integration of Rust into the Linux kernel? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and share this article with your techie friends! 🚀✨
