Re: [RFC] Kernel version numbering scheme change

Greg KH
2008-10-20T21:37:54Z

On Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 11:54:00PM +0300, Felipe Balbi wrote:
> On Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 01:30:33PM -0700, Greg KH wrote:
> > > IMHO, having a small number of small digits is the way to go. Using
> > > 1 or 2 digits for the major and 1 for the minor is fine. After 3.9, you
> > > go to version 4.0. Anyway, there are so many changes between versions
> > > these days that any new versions could justify a major change (eg:
> > > check the size of the 2.6.27 patch).
> > >
> > > With versions from 1.1 to 9.9, you can go as high as 88 versions,
> > > which is about 22 years of development at current pace. After that,
> > > we can simply turn to 10.0 and not break anything.
> > >
> > > It's also easier for users. Check how many non-kernel techies around you
> > > know all 3 digits of the version they use. It's easier to remember 4.3
> > > than it is to remember 2.6.27.
> >
> > I agree that would be nicer, and easier for everyone.
>
> It's true it would be easier for tracking down and remembering the
> version number, but on the other hand, the good thing about this
> version number system is that we now 2.6.xx is a rather stable and
> complete kernel tree and when we move to 2.7, we know it'll be the start
> for the 2.8 kernel series.

Um, did you not get the memo 3 years ago saying we are changing our
development model and there will not be a 2.7 development series?

Damm, I thought I had printed it out and placed it on everyone's chairs.
Those pesky cleaners must have picked it up and recycled it, sorry about
that...

> Just like the migration from 2.4 to 2.5.

Please don't bring up the dark ages again, many of us went through
things back then that have taken a lot of counseling to be able to get
over.

thanks,

greg k-h