Torvalds & Linux Dev Process

sebFlyte writes "Builder UK is reporting that Linus Torvalds is concerned that the Linux production kernel maintainence process might be overly taxing Andrew Morton, saying: "One issue is that I actually worry that Andrew will at some point be where I was a couple of years ago -- overworked and stressed out by just tons and tons of patches. If Andrew burns out, we'll all suffer hugely." Morton himself wants to make -mm releases more often. He sees bugs as more of a problem, rather than patches themselves. His solution is simple: "I'd like to release -mm's more often and I'd like -mm to have less of a wild-and-crappy reputation. Both of these would happen if originators were to test their stuff more carefully.""

Comments

Fantastic

[Professor S. Brown]

I have to say that we in my lab are thrilled with the progress in the Linux kernel. We have been running Linux in our labs for ages, and it now controls the massive coils that circle all the corridors in our buildings, ominously humming in the night. Before, we had Windows XP controlling the titantic voltages that flow through the rings, and we found that very often the control threads would become scheduled into irrelevance and the voltages would become unstable. This would lead to devastating magnetic fields that would reverse the path of time across the carpet in my room, staining it really badly.

Re:Fantastic

[eno2001]

Sir. I cannot believe your claims for the simple matter of the fact that the Linux kernel has not yet been proven to pierce the veil of time and space. If Windows XP cannot manage time and space properly as you purport, then Linux clearly cannot as the Linux corporation has no R&D budget due to the non-profit nature of the beast. Anyone who makes such claims is most obviously blowing hot air and doesn't know what he is talking about. The only time that the Linux corporation will be able to make such claims is when Microsoft achieves it first, but winds up turning Ballmer into a baby man due to a mishap while trying to use iTunes on their time altering OS to guess the next big rock and roll hit and cash in on investing in the act. Then, and ONLY then will Linux be able to lay such a claim and not belaughed out of the forum. But I suggest... No, I strongly assert, that you care full of beans!! Withdraw your mischevious statement this instant, or I will challenge you to a duel so we can settle this like gentlemen.

Test?

[Hrodvitnir]

Don't be silly. That's what users are for.

At least, that seems to be the prevailing ideology the past 10 years or so.

Re:Test?

[Craptastic Weasel]

"I'd like -mm to have less of a wild-and-crappy reputation"

well with pictures like this http://www.iwantalife.com/ramblings/blog/roadster. jpg, what do you expect???

Re:Test?

[schon]

It sounds like they could benefit from a practice in Xtreme Programming.

Is that where they jump out of an airplane with only a laptop and a parachute, and see how much they can code on the way down?

Re:Windows broken?

[op12]

It was a dupe of this. Wait a minute...a dupe has been pulled on Slashdot! And there was much rejoicing....yay.

Re:Windows is broken -- article missing?

[91degrees]

Perhaps Linux needs to switch to a more Windows like development process:)

Re:Bus

[gowen]

Is there a hierarchy of maintainers (like the succession to President) or what?

Yes. If Andrew Morton gets hit by a bus, Dick Cheney gets to maintain the Linux kernel. If Dick is unable to fulfil those duties, the maintenance gets subcontracted to Halliburton.

Re:it's an architectural problem

[GileadGreene]

You mean like a microkernel system? I bet Andrew Tanenbaum would just love to see Linux move to that model ;-)

Re:Windows not broken anymore?

[maxwell demon]

Windows is broken
Like the first Windows
Bluescreen has spoken
Like the first crash.
Praise for the crashing,
Praise for the breaking,
Praise them for springing
fresh from install.

SCNR

Re:Bus

[fbg111]

If Dick is unable to fulfil those duties, the maintenance gets subcontracted to Halliburton.

...with a no-bid contract.

Re:Bus

[hobuddy]

The solution is to put Richard Stallman in charge of the kernel development process. If he got hit by a bus, the only problem would be a pulverised bus.

The graveyards are full of indispensable men.

[Chyeburashka]

Obligitory Charles de Gaulle quote, although he may have actually said "Les cimetières sont pleins d'hommes indispensables."

Of course, this may explain France's military record.

Re:The graveyards are full of indispensable men.

[troon]

Of course, this may explain France's military record.

What's wrong with french military victories?

-mm's

[jayemdaet]

Melt in your code not in your hand...

Obviously

[joe_bruin]

Kernel Panic: Bus Error