this post was submitted on 16 Aug 2023
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Linux
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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Except for decades if you tried to help but you were even so slightly wrong the lead developer would yell and swear at you and tell you to never program again. Social projects need better leaders than what Linus was.
You're right he can be a bit crass without needing to be. The outcome of his methods is exemplary, though.
At every place I worked the motto for hiring has always been, you could be the best person in the industry for this job but if you're an asshole we don't want to hire you. I can't agree more with that. I don't care how good his code is, if he's an asshole then I don't want to submit to his project. He's like the Elon Musk of Linux. We don't need to support those types of assholes. I wouldn't do paid work for Twitter or Telsa because of Elon, I ain't going to do work for Linux for Linus.
Also, one person is not the life of a project but they can define the project's culture. If Linus wants to write Linux all himself with a cult of followers then sure, he can have a slightly more successful version of TempleOS. He's still not going to attract the world of developers out there that are far better as a whole and more successful as a whole than him. He proudly defines and encourages this toxic culture and it keeps very talented developers away. Frankly, someone should fork the Linux kernel and create a non-toxic work environment for people.
Why not be the change you wish to see, then? Fork it, and surely they will come.
That or Linus' work is of high enough quality that people are willing to put up with his crass behavior.
Also, somewhat unrelated, but comparing Linus to Elon is a nonstarter. Elon has money, but contributes little more than ego past that. Linus, on the other hand, actually gets his hands dirty. I don't care for his behavior, but I do respect someone who actually does the work.