Interview With BitKeeper Author Larry McVoy

Jeremy Andrews writes "KernelTrap has spoken with Larry McVoy, BitMover founder and primary BitKeeper author. BitKeeper, a distributed source control system, has been adopted by Linux kernel creator Linus Torvalds and condemned by free software icon Richard Stallman. In this interview, Larry looks back through the years, describing his exposure to computers and Linux. He also discusses the history of BitKeeper, from writing NSElite for Sun (which turned into their still used SCM, Teamware), to his desire to keep Linus from burning out, to the present day solution. The choice to not license BitKeeper under the GPL is also explained. Larry discusses much beyond Bitkeeper as well, exploring some of his other interests. Find the full interview on KernelTrap."

Comments

Re:Linus could not accept CVS/RCS

[windex]

I would have to agree with the AC and burn karma in the process. Larry McVoy is an exciting and pleasurable indivudual if you never read or hear of him in your entire life. Now, the problem is, that I can't see RMS as much better... Oh well.

Re:RMS condemning non-free, not BitKeeper itself

[gowen]

I should use an inferior product because of a philosophical position? How is this any different from the mindset of any organized religion?

Because you've reached that principle through reason, and searching your personal morality, rather than having it dictated to you by a bloke in a dress.

Re:Extremism and Source Code Control...

[signifying nothing]

McVoy is hardly anti-free-software. The very fact that he gives away *anything* for free symbolizes that. (He doesn't have to give anything away.) He makes the simple requirement that the free users use the newest versions for bug reporting reasons. Not a bad idea IMO.

So the fact that Microsoft give away Internet Explorer for free means that they're not anti-free software either?