Linus Torvalds, the creator and main developer of the Linux nucleus, is known for his sharp style of communication and criticism of other project participants. This week a new conflict broke out due to the proposals of Google engineer Stephen Rostedt for using “Inode” in file systems.
Inode is a unique metadata identifier in Linux. For several weeks, debates about the role and purpose of Inode were on the mailing of the nucleus. Many believe that they are still needed to archive files with a TAR utility. However, Torvalds expressed the opposite opinion, saying that it is time to abandon the outdated concept, since Inode numbers in modern file systems are no longer truly unique.
Despite this, Rostedt proposed realizing the global uniqueness of all Inode numbers in Linux to solve potential problems. And here was followed by sharp criticism from Torvalds, who accused the engineer of misunderstanding of the essence and complication of the code, as well as in copying functions of the VFS-layer of the file system without awareness of the consequences.
In fact, Torvalds indicated that Rostedt’s proposal is excessive and harmful, since Inode has long lost the status of uniqueness in Linux and try to fix it – a waste of time and effort. Phrases like “stop complicating everything” and “I will not endure such nonsense” clearly indicate the extreme irritation of Torvalds with non-conceived ideas for changing key subsystems.
In 2018, Torvalds promised to correct his conflicting communication style after literally sent engineer Red Hat Three letters. However, the last incident shows that the “main Linuxoid” is still prone to sharp wording to other developers.
After criticism, Rostedt recognized his gaps in the understanding of Inode and promised to figure out this issue. Thorvalds, in turn, did not continue the dispute, citing a lack of time due to other tasks.