The kernel development community can be "unfriendly", according to Linus Torvalds. In this three minute video, the Linux guru talks about why it is getting more difficult to bring in new blood.
In order to watch video content you need to enable javascript and install Flash player version 8 or above.
On the second day of Linux.conf.au in Sydney, Linus Torvalds talked about why attracting new kernel developers is getting more difficult as "obvious" flaws -- and solutions to those flaws -- fade away.
"It's a lot harder to enter the kernel development process today than it was five or 10 years ago. Over the years, one of the sad parts is we have got so much better that it has raised the bar. There are no problems that the person can see as an obvious problem and an obvious solution.
"We have had other issues. Sometimes the kernel community is not the friendliest community and I don't like that. It sometimes scares away people. That said … we do seem to have a lot of people who find it an exciting area and are not afraid of a bit of controversy on the kernel mailing list," said Torvalds.
Torvalds also revealed that he was surprised by the resilience of the 2.6 Linux kernel to "invasive" changes. Click here to watch the two minute video clip.
To all Linux users, this video is presented in Flash 8 and has been tested successfully for use with Linux systems running the latest Flash plug-in for Linux (ver. 9.0). Currently, this version is not available from Adobe for those running 64-bit Linux.
What, do I need Windows or a Mac to watch this video? I can not view it in Linux. Great, a movie about Linux that can't be watched in Linux.