Backend/Linux-Torvalds
The Linux-Torvalds repository, often referred to as the mainline or upstream Linux kernel repository, is hosted on GitHub. Here's a detailed overview:
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Repository Overview
The Linux-Torvalds repository contains the source code for the Linux kernel, managed by Linus Torvalds himself. This repository serves as the central location where all changes, improvements, and new features for the Linux kernel are merged before being officially released.
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History and Development
Linus Torvalds created Linux in 1991, initially releasing it as a hobby project. Over the years, it evolved into one of the most widely used operating system kernels in the world:
- The first version of Linux was released on September 17, 1991, under the name Linux-0.01.
- Over time, the development model shifted to a distributed version control system, with the move to Git in 2005 being a significant milestone.
- The Linux-Torvalds repository was established on GitHub in 2014, although the kernel development had been using Git for almost a decade by then.
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Development Process
The development of the Linux kernel follows a specific workflow:
- Developers submit patches to various Linux Subsystem Maintainers, who then review and potentially merge these into their respective subsystem trees.
- These subsystem maintainers push their changes to Linux-Next, a testing tree, where integration testing happens before the official merge window.
- During the merge window, Linus Torvalds reviews and pulls changes into the mainline Linux-Torvalds repository. This period lasts for about two weeks after each stable release.
- After the merge window, only bug fixes and critical updates are accepted until the next stable release.
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Impact and Usage
The Linux-Torvalds repository is not just a code base but represents:
- A symbol of open-source development, showcasing collaboration across the globe.
- The foundation for numerous operating systems like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian.
- A critical component in server environments, supercomputers, mobile devices, and embedded systems.
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