Why Linux Is Not Attracting Young Developers

judeancodersfront writes "Jonathan Corbet recently pointed out at the Linux Foundation Collaboration Summit that the Linux kernel team was getting older and not attracting young developers. This article suggests the Linux kernel no longer has the same appeal to young open source developers that it did 10 years ago. Could it be that the massive code base and declining sense of community from corporate involvement has driven young open source programmers elsewhere?"

Comments

users not programmers

[Anonymous Coward]

What I am noticing in general is that young computer users are just using computers (games, chat, internet), not programming them.

It's because Windows IS easier for a greenhorn

[Necreia]

Young developers are typically interested in Game Development of some form. C# & DirectX[XNA] is worlds easier than the (usual) counterpart of C++ & OpenGL. It's a sad direction, but it's the result of 'path of least resistance'. They are typically not aware of the engines/options actually available when they are newbies.

Why? Because it's no fun

[Animats]

• Too much bloat and churn. The Linux kernel should have settled down by now. After using QNX (80% of the functionality of the Linux kernel with 1% of the code size), I see the Linux kernel as just being too big. One of the side effects of open source development is that you get a slightly different driver for every device, instead of generic drivers. Why? Because no one Linux developer has, for example, every device in a category. Windows has WHQL and hardware standards. Apple has a limited set of supported devices. Android is struggling with "write once, debug everywhere".
• All the action is on mobile devices, and Linux on a mobile device is like pounding a screw.
• The Linux GUI is still ugly. There's still a "non-graphical mindset" in the Linux community. This is totally alien to anybody under 30 (40? 50?)
• Linux failed on the desktop. (There was a real opportunity when Windows XP was late.) Linux failed in netbooks. (Remember Linux netbooks? Try to buy one now.) Only on servers is it a real success. And who wants to work on server architecture? It's like becoming a plumber. (What with the renewed interest in data center water cooling, it is becoming a plumber.)

Re:What does Linus always say?

[SanityInAnarchy]

I haven't actually used a monitor on my unix box since I installed it. I just putty in and go from there..

While that sets you apart from many of us, it also reveals Windows on your desktop. Why?

I don't use monitors on my Unix servers...

The only time I even look at graphics

Yeah, I know it's hyperbole, but after your "putty" comment above, it's a fail.

I actually did work with a commandline only for a week or so while I was trying to fix my X. At least five or ten years ago, and I hope no one still needs to do that, but if you really want to say you "never look at graphics", try dealing with that with only Lynx for a browser.

I'm also 23, but I boot Windows when I want to play games -- and there, only the games I can't run on Linux.