The Pragmatic Engineer
How Linux is built with Greg Kroah-Hartman
Mar 19, 2025
Join Greg Kroah-Hartman, a Linux kernel maintainer for 25 years and a Linux Kernel Foundation Fellow, as he dives into the fascinating world of Linux development. He shares insights on the kernel's nine-week release cycle and the complexities of integrating code changes. Greg emphasizes the unique trust model that drives its reliability and advocates for contributions to open source. Discover why Linux is so widespread and how it serves as an interface for diverse hardware. Plus, learn about the exciting integration of Rust into the Linux kernel!
01:21:19
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Quick takeaways
- Linux's nine-week development cycle allows maintainers to efficiently merge changes and focus on thorough bug fixes, promoting careful planning.
- The Linux kernel's widespread adaptability, powering millions of devices, showcases its versatility from smartphones to critical systems like air traffic control.
Deep dives
Time-Based Release Cycle
Linux follows a nine-week release cycle that begins with a merge window where maintainers submit changes created since the last release. This process allows for two weeks of integration, where new features are merged into the codebase, followed by a period focused solely on bug fixes for the next seven weeks. This structure reduces pressure on maintainers to rush incomplete features, as they know there will be another opportunity for integration soon. The timely cycle contrasts with longer development periods, making it easier for contributors to plan their work.
