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Linus Torvalds has publicly reprimanded a Linux kernel contributor for submitting late and low-quality patches for RISC-V support in Linux 6.17, highlighting the importance of timely and well-crafted code submissions in open-source development.
Linux kernel maintainer Linus Torvalds had a disagreement with contributor Palmer Dabbelt over late patches for RISC-V support in Linux 6.17. Torvalds deemed the patches "garbage" due to poor quality, specifically citing an overly complicated helper function and unnecessary code. The incident highlights the challenges of meeting high standards in open-source development while also demonstrating the value of feedback and accountability within these communities.
In a recent exchange on the Linux kernel mailing list, Linux kernel maintainer Linus Torvalds found himself at odds with contributor Palmer Dabbelt over a set of late patches for RISC-V support in Linux 6.17. The dispute serves as a reminder of the importance of timely and high-quality code submissions in open-source development.
For those unfamiliar with the context, the issue began when Dabbelt submitted his patch set to Torvalds, who had specifically requested early pull requests due to his travel schedule. However, the patches were submitted an entire day before the merge window closed, which was deemed too late by Torvalds. The contributor's apology acknowledged that he had been late with previous submissions and had "dropped the ball" on occasion.
Torvalds' response was scathing, with the maintainer labeling Dabbelt's patch set as "garbage" due to its poor quality. Specifically, he took issue with a helper function for converting two unsigned 16-bit integers to a 32-bit integer, which Torvalds deemed overly complicated and unnecessary. The maintainer also expressed frustration that the patch set included unnecessary code outside of the RISC-V code base.
Torvalds' rebuke served as a reminder of his long-standing emphasis on the importance of quality code submissions in the Linux kernel community. Throughout the history of Linux, Torvalds has been known for his strict standards and high expectations from contributors. In recent years, he has taken steps to improve communication with contributors and provide more guidance on how to submit high-quality patches.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by open-source developers who strive to meet the high standards set by maintainers like Torvalds. The struggle to balance individual contributor goals with the collective needs of a large community is a common theme in open-source development. In this case, Dabbelt's apology and willingness to improve demonstrate a commitment to growth and self-improvement, which are essential qualities for contributors seeking to make meaningful contributions to the Linux kernel.
The exchange between Torvalds and Dabbelt also underscores the value of feedback and accountability within open-source communities. When contributors receive constructive criticism from maintainers, it can serve as an opportunity for growth and improvement. In this instance, Dabbelt's acknowledgment of his mistakes provides a clear example of how openness and humility can lead to positive change.
In conclusion, Linus Torvalds' verbal rebuke serves as a reminder of the importance of quality code submissions in open-source development. The incident highlights the challenges faced by contributors who strive to meet high standards while also demonstrating the value of feedback and accountability within these communities.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Linus-Torvalds-Verbal-Rebuke-A-Cautionary-Tale-of-Late-and-Low-Quality-Code-ehn.shtml
https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2025/08/11/torvalds_blasts_tardy_kernel_dev/
Published: Mon Aug 11 06:57:36 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
