While Linux 7.0 is the next kernel version solely over Linus Torvalds’ numbering preference, there is a notable symbolic change that was sent in overnight for this new kernel merge window: formally concluding the “Rust experiment” with upstream kernel developers now in acceptance that Rust for the Linux kernel is here to stay.
The patch was talked about back in December that the Rust experiment is over and it’s here to stay. There are already uses for Rust in production environments, some Linux distributions shipping with Rust kernel code, and millions of Android devices also using it.
I see. That makes sense.
So if the kernel were written in a language licensed under GPL, for instance, Ubuntu would either have to ditch their proprietary blobs or make their own kernel?
If I had to guess, the only reason Rust might be controversial to some people is probably because they’re used to C and likely set in their ways. Someone who’s been programming since the 80s and doesn’t want to learn a new language cause maybe they’ll feel like a newbie again and can’t be smug about knowing every possible command in C anymore. Just a guess…
I’m pretty sure that code written in any language can be licensed under the GPL. That’s why I cannot understand the backlash against Rush for the Kernel.