Zack's Kernel News
Zack's Kernel News
Chronicler Zack Brown reports on the latest news, views, dilemmas, and developments within the Linux kernel community.
Simplifying the Config System
Jean Delvare from SUSE noticed that kernel config files were reaching upward of 6,000 lines and that the number of drivers and configurable options was continuing to expand explosively. He also noticed that the configuration system had some bugs, setting certain drivers to be compiled into the kernel, even if the hardware they supported was not present on the system. Recently, he suggested:
I would like to call for proper hardware dependencies to become a general trend: Every new hardware-specific driver which is added to the kernel should depend on ($hardware || COMPILE_TEST), so as to make it clear right away, which type of hardware is expected to need the driver in question.
$hardware can be the top-level architecture (e.g., ARM), but can also go down to sub-architecture/platform (e.g., ARCH_AT91 or PLATFORM_AT32AP) or even machine (e.g., PICOXCELL_PC3X3). The list can always be extended later if needed. Ideally we should restrict as much as possible as long as the result is easy to maintain, not too complex, and not likely to break in a near future.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Framework Laptop 13 Pro Competes with the Best
Framework has released what might be considered the MacBook of Linux devices.
-
The Latest CachyOS Features Supercharged Kernel
The latest release of CachyOS brings with it an enhanced version of the latest Linux kernel.
-
Kernel 7.0 Is a Bit More Rusty
Linux kernel 7.0 has been released for general availability, with Rust finally getting its due.
-
France Says "Au Revoir" to Microsoft
In a move that should surprise no one, France announced plans to reduce its reliance on US technology, and Microsoft Windows is the first to get the boot.
-
CIQ Releases Compatibility Catalog for Rocky Linux
The company behind Rocky Linux is making an open catalog available to developers, hobbyists, and other contributors, so they can verify and publish compatibility with the CIQ lineup.
-
KDE Gets Some Resuscitation
KDE is bringing back two themes that vanished a few years ago, putting a bit more air under its wings.
-
Ubuntu 26.04 Beta Arrives with Some Surprises
Ubuntu 26.04 is almost here, but the beta version has been released, and it might surprise some people.
-
Ubuntu MATE Dev Leaving After 12 years
Martin Wimpress, the maintainer of Ubuntu MATE, is now searching for his successor. Are you the next in line?
-
Kali Linux Waxes Nostalgic with BackTrack Mode
For those who've used Kali Linux since its inception, the changes with the new release are sure to put a smile on your face.
-
Gnome 50 Smooths Out NVIDIA GPU Issues
Gamers rejoice, your favorite pastime just got better with Gnome 50 and NVIDIA GPUs.