Linus Torvalds on why desktop Linux sucks

Summary

The speaker passionately discusses the challenges of application packaging on Linux, emphasizing the difficulties faced by developers when creating binaries for various distributions. They criticize the lack of consistency and the frequent breaking of binary compatibility by distributions, which forces developers to create multiple versions of their applications. The speaker advocates for a more unified approach, suggesting that distributions should focus on core applications and maintain binary compatibility to make Linux more user-friendly for non-technical users. They also express hope that Valve's involvement might push distributions to improve, not just for gaming, but for the broader Linux desktop ecosystem.

Takeaways

• 💻 The speaker criticizes the complexity of application packaging on Linux distributions, making it difficult for non-technical users.
• 🔧 The speaker's experience with their dialogue application highlights the challenges of creating Linux binaries due to distribution-specific requirements.
• 📦 The speaker argues that Linux distributions have not effectively addressed the needs of application developers for easy packaging and distribution.
• 🛠️ There's a strong emphasis on the importance of maintaining binary compatibility in the Linux kernel, which contrasts with the frequent breaking of compatibility in user space.
• 🚫 The speaker is against breaking user space and views it as a fundamental principle, even more so than security guidelines.
• 🎮 Valve's involvement with Linux is mentioned, with the speaker suggesting that their approach to application distribution might influence improvements.
• 📝 The speaker advocates for a streamlined process where applications can be easily merged into distributions, similar to kernel module inclusion.
• 👷 The maintenance of application packages within distributions is questioned, especially for less popular or niche applications.
• 🌟 The speaker suggests that core applications should be maintained by distributions, but less critical ones might be better served by other means.
• 🔄 The idea of nightly builds for applications is presented as a beneficial practice for users, which is currently challenging to implement on Linux.

Q & A

What is one of the major issues the speaker identifies with desktop Linux distributions?

One of the major issues is the difficulty in application packaging for Linux, making it challenging for non-technical users and application writers to create and maintain packages for different distributions.

Why does the speaker believe that creating binaries for Linux is a 'pain'?

Creating binaries for Linux is considered a 'pain' because it requires making different versions for various distributions and versions, which is time-consuming and complex due to the lack of standardization and compatibility.

What is the speaker's stance on the use of shared libraries in Linux applications?

The speaker is critical of the requirement to use shared libraries when they are experimental or used by very few people, as it leads to frequent ABI breaks and instability, preferring the stability of static linking.

What rule does the speaker emphasize in the Linux kernel development?

The speaker emphasizes the rule of not breaking user space in the Linux kernel development, considering it a fundamental principle that should not be violated.

Why does the speaker think Valve might save the Linux desktop?

The speaker believes Valve might save the Linux desktop not because of the importance of games, but because Valve is likely to create a single, statically linked binary that would work across distributions, which is currently a challenge.

What does the speaker suggest as a solution for application packaging in Linux distributions?

The speaker suggests that distributions should focus on maintaining core applications and not every single application, to avoid wasting resources and to ensure timely updates for critical applications.

What is the speaker's opinion on the maintenance of niche applications in Linux distributions?

The speaker thinks that maintaining niche applications in every distribution is not efficient and suggests that it's better to have a centralized approach, possibly with nightly builds, to cater to a wider user base.

Why does the speaker argue against every distribution maintaining every application?

The speaker argues against it because it is a waste of manpower, especially for applications with a small user base, and it does not make sense to maintain multiple versions when a single, universally compatible version could suffice.

What is the speaker's view on the role of commercial software in Linux distributions?

The speaker acknowledges the importance of commercial software and suggests that distributions should be aware of and provide packages for these applications, especially when they are widely used or have significant impact on users.

What does the speaker propose regarding the binary compatibility and distribution updates?

The speaker proposes that distributions should maintain binary compatibility and avoid breaking it with updates, as it disrupts the user experience and forces users to recompile or deal with incompatibilities.