kernel devs and job security [LWN.net]

kernel devs and job security

Posted Oct 23, 2006 17:22 UTC (Mon) by man_ls (subscriber, #15091)
In reply to: Linux: GPLv3, DRM, and Exceptions (KernelTrap.org) by bronson
Parent article: Linux: GPLv3, DRM, and Exceptions (KernelTrap.org)

Kernel devs only want tit for tat: if you write your code based on my code, you must make your changes available to me too.

I would say we may as well call things their proper names. Some kernel devs only want to expand the Linux user base so they can land better jobs. They already know how to program for the Linux kernel and have plenty of toys to install it onto; making their skills scarce would only benefit them. "Tit for tat" + "see but don't touch" is a good way to ensure that only professionals can play and leave amateurs out.

In contrast, GPLv2 always tried to give users the same rights as developers. GPLv3 follows this pattern nicely. Those with good jobs and scarce talents don't have to care about the same issues as the unwashed masses, or so they think.

Luckily not all kernel devs are like this; and Linux is not even the only kernel. If Sun plays its cards well, and makes OpenSolaris GPLv3, we might still see a radical change in the free software panorama in a few years. Just don't hold your breath until you are running a GPLv3 system.

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GPLv3 Solaris?!?!?

Posted Oct 24, 2006 0:00 UTC (Tue) by xoddam (subscriber, #2322) [Link]

> If Sun plays its cards well, and makes OpenSolaris GPLv3

Hahaha!!!! Now *that* would put the cat amongst the pigeons!!!

Honestly, I will be very very amused (not to mention pleased) if this
highly unlikely scenario comes to pass.

GPLv3 Solaris?!?!?

Posted Oct 24, 2006 6:42 UTC (Tue) by man_ls (subscriber, #15091) [Link]

Honestly, I will be very very amused (not to mention pleased) if this highly unlikely scenario comes to pass.

Honestly, me too. But Sun's CEO is at least evaluating the option; that is one big step that kernel devs have not taken yet. I'm sure Sun would not object to distributions being called "GNU/OpenSolaris" :P

GPLv3 Solaris?!?!?

Posted Oct 24, 2006 7:37 UTC (Tue) by khim (subscriber, #9252) [Link]

Actually it makes perfect sense. Exactly because linux kernel developers don't like GPLv3!

If Sun will do this then for any casual observer (who knows nothing about difference between GPLv2 and GPLv3 but knows how to read and so knows that GPL always recommended "GPL X.X or any later version" - Sun can helpfully point any observer to that phrase in any case) it'll look like linux developers rejected Sun's contribution, few developers who prefer GPLv3 (I'm not sure how many are out there but I'm pretty sure while it's not majority it's non-negligible number as well) will have something to play with (while HURD is still the pipedream) and they will have the means to merge with Debian...

And Solaris will not be usable for embedded market any time soon - so there are not a much to lose.

So while I do not think it'll happen soon (Sun is slooow) - it can happen.