ReiserFS File System Axed from Linux Kernel

Linus Torvalds approved the removal of the Reiserfs file system implementation from the Linux kernel. The Reiserfs was deemed outdated last year and was set for removal in 2025. This change has been accepted into the branch that will form the basis for nucleus 6.13, with an expected release in early February.

The decision to remove Reiserfs was primarily driven by the desire to reduce maintenance costs and streamline changes in the kernel that cover various file systems. This includes transitioning to a new API for mounting, iMap, and folios. The user base for Reiserfs was considered insignificant.

Reiserfs faced issues like stagnation, unresolved problems related to the year 2038, and the lack of features found in modern file systems to protect against damage in case of unexpected shutdowns or compromises. The last major distribution to support Reiserfs was Opensuse, but support for it was discontinued in the Tumbleweed repository two years ago. SUSE had already stopped supporting Reiserfs 6 years prior. The pull-request to remove Reiserfs in nucleus 6.13 was submitted by an employee of SUSE.