Re: Why not make Linux source modular?

Derrik Pates (dpates@cavern.nmsu.edu)
Wed, 28 Feb 1996 23:37:30 -0700


Nicolai P Guba wrote:
>
> >>>>> "Doug" == Doug Paul <dbp@pluto.dragonsys.com> writes:
>
> >> : OK, this is sort of a continuation of the Linus overworked thread. It's
> >> also : probably been discussed before, so feel free to flame me if I'm
> >> being a : complete idiot. :-) : : My point is this: Why is Linux kernel
> >> source distributed as one big lump?
> >>
> >> Generally, there are lots of dependencies between the driver versions and
> >> the kernel itself. If you were to break them out, you would have lots of
> >> problems with people trying to not grab the latest stuff, just upgrading
> >> the drivers, etc. The kerenel needs to be distributed as a definite
> >> version. There are enough problems with userland programs breaking when
> >> the kernel changes something. I don't think you want to make that worse by
> >> making it possible for drivers to have the same problems.
>
> Doug> I would also vote for one big lump. There is far less opportunity for
> Doug> problems due to mixed versions or missing pieces.
>
> I'll second thatHere's a third! Keeps things neat. You want small? Get the patch!
-- 
Derrik Pates
dpates@cavern.nmsu.edu