Linux supremo Linus Torvalds has fired back at Asahi Linux lead developer Hector Martin, calling out his approach to resolving the device driver impasse over Rust code in the kernel. Torvalds criticized Martin’s use of social media “brigading” as a solution, saying it won’t work and makes him not want to have anything to do with the issue.
The dispute centers around a patch that would allow Rust-written device drivers to call the kernel’s core DMA API. Some maintainers are resisting the change due to concerns about added complexity and maintenance burden. Torvalds dismissed Martin’s defense of shaming on social media, saying it doesn’t solve problems and instead creates more drama.
The tension between C and Rust developers in the Linux kernel is ongoing, with some maintainers hesitant to adopt Rust code due to its memory safety features being introduced into a traditionally C-dominated codebase. The fate of the patch remains uncertain, and Martin has asked to be removed as a maintainer of the upstream Linux code.
Source: https://www.theregister.com/2025/02/07/linus_torvalds_rust_driver