The Linux 6.15 kernel arrives and it's a big victory for Rust fans
31 points by sanxiyn
31 points by sanxiyn
Since the focus is on the new Nvidia driver, I want to correct a misperception:
This development marks the final victory for Linux and open-source software over Nvidia’s old proprietary ways.
Nvidia … has embraced … open source
Nvidia has moved their closed source driver from a binary blob kernel module to a signed firmware blob that is executed on the GPU card itself. The new open source kernel driver is a stub that forwards API calls to the firmware. In addition, the kernel driver is developed privately, not in the open, with snapshots occasionally thrown over the wall. The internal development history is not revealed in the git commits added to the Linux kernel.
Source: https://www.howtogeek.com/805004/nvidia-releases-open-source-linux-gpu-drivers-with-a-catch/
Periodic reminder that nothing in the various FLOSS licensing terms require that the entire development history is exposed for all to see. It’s enough that the source is open for inspection.
If you are going to declare the “final victory for Linux and open-source” over Nvidia’s previous behaviour, then surely you imply that Nvidia has embraced open source values and the open source development model, not just open source licencing. Open source is more than just FLOSS licensing.
Eric Raymond is one of the founders of the open source movement. In “The Cathedral and the Bazaar”, he defines the “open source model” in terms of the open development style of the Linux kernel (the Bazaar), where everything is done collaboratively and in the open. Open source licencing is a precondition to open-source bazaar style development, it’s not the whole thing. <opensource.com> defines the “open source way” or the “open source development model” as the Linux style of software development. A more specific resource is https://theopensourceway.org/.
I guess with rust now in base, compiling and bootstrapping Linux from source is going to be a lot harder.
From my understanding, if you’re not building a driver or experimental feature that’s built with Rust, you won’t need a Rust compiler to build the Linux kernel. So I’m guessing it won’t affect you at all.
Most systems needs drivers.
And this is is only the beginning, Rust will probably see increased use in the Linux project now. Bootstrapping/compiling for unusual platforms might become a valid concern.
The drivers rust is being used for currently are pretty exotic. The Nvidia one is the first I could see myself using and it would make sense that people who want the best graphics performance would be willing to jump through hoops. Currently they have to use proprietary drivers anyway. I think you’re jumping the gun with your concern.
Rust for Linux compiles with GCC already so I’m not sure you need to worry about unusual platforms too much.