It seemed that the note on the LKML today would be one more announcing the Linux 4.19-rc4, but it is not one more, and it will be marked as a turning point in the Linux kernel project. In addition to the usual technical details about the new release of the new Release Candidate 4 of branch 4.19, Linus B. Torvalds has taken the opportunity to apologize and announce that he is temporarily leaving the Linux project. Regarding the rc4, he said that it is not a particularly large launch or with too many problems, everything has gone more or less as planned and it comes with updates mainly in the network drivers, and other subsystems as usual.
However, this note in the LKML It is accompanied by some apologies from Linus Torvalds quite sincere for their behavior in the public and private discussions that have been made regarding kernel development. His language has been able to offend or damage the feelings of some of the developers, as we saw in the case of Sarah Sharp and many others. In addition, that language has been able to alienate certain developers, something that is not good. However, what has been said in this email could mean the end of this type of problem ...
Linus Torvalds announces his retirement, leaves the Linux project temporarily. How long it will stay out we don't know, but we do know that it will occupy some other project like when it left it momentarily to create the git tool. In addition, he will reflect on his verbal aggressiveness throughout all this time and the damage to the feelings produced, and he has even hinted in the LKML that he could create some mail filter to avoid those offensive words. An email in which he has been sincere and is full of reflections.
It seems that everything comes from the last annual summit Which brings together the kernel maintainers, about thirty of the kernel developers and major maintainers meet behind closed doors to discuss non-technical development issues. Apparently Linus forgot the appointment and had reserved those dates to have a vacation with his family. That caused the organization to delay the event, and it was set on another date, but Linus himself suggested that the event be held without him, but they flatly refused.
This seems to have set off something in the creator's heart and brain that has even hinted that could get help psychological to manage this type of behavior during their retirement stage. And now that? Well, the German and Linus's right-hand man, Greg Kroah-Hartman, will take the leadership of the project and everything will continue without the creator (do not panic, it is not the first time), until he decides to return ... When? We do not know. Here are some of the most striking translated sentences:
“But this whole situation then started a completely different kind of discussion. […] I realized that I had not quite understood some of the people involved. […] My frivolous attacks on emails were neither professional nor necessary. Especially the times that I took it to the personal level. In my search for a better solution this made sense to me. Now I know it wasn't right and I'm really sorry. […] A moment to look in the mirror. […] I will take a break and receive help to understand people's emotions and how to respond appropriately. […] This does not mean that I am burned and need to leave. Quite the contrary. I want to continue with this project to which I have dedicated almost three decades. »
The offenders charge first Stallman and then Linus.
Little defenders of freedom these cancellers are made.
I'm afraid Torvalds is being charmed by philanthropy and greenbacks.