Linus Torvalds created what some might say is the greatest ever technological advancement. Some might also call that hyperbole. Either way you look at it, Linux has become essential to so many (users, organizations, enterprise businesses, and consumers). So, what happens when the creator of Linux is no longer able to maintain its kernel?

The Linux kernel project has released the Project Continuity document, which attempts to address this very thing. The second paragraph of the document states:

"Should the maintainers of that repository become unwilling or unable to do that work going forward (including facilitating a transition), the project will need to find one or more replacements without delay. The process by which that will be done is listed below. $ORGANIZER is the last Maintainer Summit organizer or the current Linux Foundation (LF) Technical Advisory Board (TAB) Chair as a backup."

There's your answer. Either the last Maintainer Summit organizer or the current Linux Foundation TAB Chair will take over. That is not to say the $ORGANIZER will be the one taking Linus-level control over the kernel. Instead, there will be a meeting, chaired by $ORGANIZER, that will consider options for the ongoing management of the kernel repository that is consistent with the expectation of maximizing the long-term health of both the kernel project and its community.

Of course, none of us wants to think about Linux without Linus, but someday that will be a reality. It's a good thing there's now a plan in place.