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Is Modern Linux Becoming Too Complex?

Posted by Soulskill on from the do-it-yourself-after-several-years-of-intensive-study dept.

An anonymous reader writes: Debian developer John Goerzen asks whether Linux has become so complex that it has lost some of its defining characteristics. "I used to be able to say Linux was clean, logical, well put-together, and organized. I can’t really say this anymore. Users and groups are not really determinitive for permissions, now that we have things like polkit running around. (Yes, by the way, I am a member of plugdev.) Error messages are unhelpful (WHY was I not authorized?) and logs are nowhere to be found. Traditionally, one could twiddle who could mount devices via /etc/fstab lines and perhaps some sudo rules. Granted, you had to know where to look, but when you did, it was simple; only two pieces to fit together. I've even spent time figuring out where to look and STILL have no idea what to do."

6 of 716 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Yes by GrumpySteen · · Score: 5, Funny

    We have too many redundant frameworks. Sadly, systemd is the only effort to unify them that seems to have traction.

    Because lots of different redundant efforts to unify lots of redundant frameworks is clearly be the best way to solve the problem of lots of different redundant frameworks!

    Redundancy is awesome!

  2. Oblig. XKCD by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    Oblig. XKCD: http://xkcd.com/927/

  3. Re:Slackware by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Right now if I had to choose between linux and BSD, it would be 60% BSD, 40 % Slackware

    While that's an interesting idea... I'd be surprised if that system boots.

  4. Re:Just one step closer to becoming Windows by jfbilodeau · · Score: 5, Funny

    I LOVE the Windows' event log. Messages are short and precise. Messages such as: The operation failed: HRESULT 0xFF0SUX2BU

    --
    Goodbye Slashdot. You've changed.
  5. Re:So roll your own. by NotDrWho · · Score: 5, Funny

    One man's variety is another man's hopelessly confusing goddamn mess.

    --
    SJW's don't eliminate discrimination. They just expropriate it for themselves.
  6. Sounds like example of an Ad Hominem: by lippydude · · Score: 3, Funny

    @Anonymous Coward: 'You can always tell when lines like "it used to be", "there was a time", and "I remember when" are used. Things change, and when software changes it typically gets more complex. Just take REO Speedwagon's advice and roll with the changes!'

    No, it sounds like a Linux Developer has some very valid points to make:

    John Goerzen: I believe that Modern Linux Becoming Too Complex?
    Anonymous: Of course you would say because you're getting too old.
    John Goerzen: How about addressing the arguments I gave to support my position?
    Anonymous: Doesn't count, you're too old so anything you can say on Linux complexity is therefore invalidated.