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g · Linux & UnixCurated

Linux kernel 2.4.0 is here

Summary

In January 2001 Linus Torvalds released Linux kernel 2.4.0, announced in an email with the laconic subject “And oh, btw...”. In ironic words Torvalds justified the release by saying that things would not get any better if the same people kept testing. The version had long been awaited.

Ideas

  • At some point a release becomes necessary, because only wide use brings new bugs to light.
  • Torvalds did without grand announcements.
  • Self-irony was part of the project’s communication culture.

Insights

  • Endless test phases with the same group of people hardly find any new bugs.
  • A project’s culture also shows in the way it makes announcements.

Facts

  • The announcement appeared on the Linux kernel mailing list.
  • The subject line was “And oh, btw...”.
  • Kernel 2.4 had originally been due in 1999.

References

Critique

  • The report only lists the new features (memory management, multiprocessor operation, USB and networking) as keywords.

Recommendations

  • After test phases, plan a clear release date instead of testing endlessly.
  • After releases, specifically collect feedback from broad user groups.

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