Linux – Who is responsible for the Linux kernel

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As of today, there are many Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, Gentoo, Mint, Debian, etc. These distributions update at different cycles. Ubuntu seems to update its kernel weekly or monthly, while Debian is reluctant to update the kernel.

I am wondering whether these distributions maintain their own kernels. Or do they just get the original kernel code from Linus Torvalds, modify it a little bit as need, and then release their revised kernel with their package management system?

Do all the distributions use the same kernels from Linus Torvalds? If it is the case, why do different distributions update/release their kernels at the different cycles?

Best Answer

The distro kernels are all compiled from the official source, with distro specific patches applied. These patches are relatively minor compared to the scope of the kernel itself. As long as you know what you are doing, you can substitute a custom kernel into any of the mainstream distros, although this is discouraged since it may cause a mismatch with system header files; for that reason the distros usually release a kernel source package of their own so you can use that instead of the "vanilla" (official, unpatched) source if you want to compile it yourself.

why different distributions update/release their kernels at the different cycles

For the same reason they release all the other software at different cycles -- to ensure everything works properly with everything else. Different distros have different policies and goals in this regard. They may hurry to get a package out as soon as the upstream source is updated, they may maintain "testing" and "stable" streams, and they may use an independent schedule.

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