Kernel Updates?

Davini · 2016-01-13 20:32:30

When is the linux kernel upgraded in the main repository for Arch Linux? How is it decided to upgrade the kernel, or who is involved in making the decision?

This is probably answered somewhere else (i.e., mailing list, maybe), but I thought I'd ask since I can't seem to find a solid answer. I am also aware of custom kernel builds and how to do it, I'm just curious what are the protocols for upgrading Arch's "mainstream" kernel.

Thanks

clfarron4 · 2016-01-13 21:01:15

TL;DR - When it's ready.

It's basically the same procedure for every package:

0) Package is reported out-of-date (This may not happen. The maintainer may do it themselves).
1) Package is built, making any necessary changes such as config, patching hot-fixing and checked to see if it "works".
2) Dependent packages are re-built and checked to see if it "works".
3) Package has to be signed off before being pushed (for official packages).

For kernels, you typically don't see the .0 release ever pushed to [core], but a couple of revisions later, mostly when everything has been worked out.

Trilby · 2016-01-13 21:11:05

To add one missing step to the above:

-1) Upstream releases a 'stable' version.

Sadly our flag-out-of-date system is polluted by a bunch of noise when users flag a package because upstream pushed a change to git, or made a revision in a beta, alpha, or other developmental branch. These are not relevant for (a vast majority of) archlinux packages. Our repos package software when upstream releases stable release versions. We leave it to upstream to determine what they consider stable or not. With the kernel this is pretty clear: kernel.org has "stable" branches - this is what gets packaged into the repos (after the above mentioned steps). The mainline branch is not packaged for our repos, though it is available in the AUR and in some non-official repos.

Leonid.I · 2016-01-13 21:40:11

BTW, is it me or the upstream stable kernel releases slowed down recently?

ewaller · 2016-01-13 22:01:06

Leonid.I wrote:

BTW, is it me or the upstream stable kernel releases slowed down recently?

4.4 is to be an LTS kernel. I think they are a little more cautious with these.

TheChickenMan · 2016-01-13 22:04:21

Leonid.I wrote:

BTW, is it me or the upstream stable kernel releases slowed down recently?

I noticed that as well. Not just the kernel either. A lot of projects seem to be really slow in releasing new stuff recently.
I assumed it was just because of the holiday season though. Probably a lot of people have been on vacation with family.

Arup · 2016-01-14 07:14:45

As the kernel matures, tons of lines of code are added and therefore more perusal. Also many drivers including new chips like ARM and more hardware, embedded and otherwise. Therefore the job of kernel upkeep and regression check gets bigger day by day.

clfarron4 · 2016-01-14 14:56:52

Arup wrote:

As the kernel matures, tons of lines of code are added and therefore more perusal. Also many drivers including new chips like ARM and more hardware, embedded and otherwise. Therefore the job of kernel upkeep and regression check gets bigger day by day.

Isn't 4.4 like 1.7 million lines bigger than 4.1?

Arch Linux

#1 2016-01-13 20:32:30

Kernel Updates?

#2 2016-01-13 21:01:15

Re: Kernel Updates?

#3 2016-01-13 21:11:05

Re: Kernel Updates?

#4 2016-01-13 21:40:11

Re: Kernel Updates?

#5 2016-01-13 22:01:06

Re: Kernel Updates?

#6 2016-01-13 22:04:21

Re: Kernel Updates?

#7 2016-01-14 07:14:45

Re: Kernel Updates?

#8 2016-01-14 14:56:52

Re: Kernel Updates?

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