Linux after Linus? Kernel community drafts a plan for replacing Torvalds
9 days ago
- #Open Source
- #Linux
- #Succession Plan
- The Linux kernel community has drafted a succession plan for replacing Linus Torvalds as the top-level maintainer.
- The plan does not name a single successor but outlines a process for selecting one or more maintainers in case of Torvalds' departure.
- Greg Kroah-Hartman is currently seen as the most likely interim successor, though he is older than Torvalds.
- There is discussion about distributing the top-level maintainer role among multiple trusted developers instead of a single BDFL (Benevolent Dictator For Life).
- Torvalds, now 56, remains active with no immediate plans to retire, but the community is preparing for eventual succession.
- The plan addresses the 'bus factor' risk, ensuring project continuity if Torvalds can no longer lead.