Linux kernel leader Linus Torvalds has publicly criticized a developer, Palmer Dabbelt, for submitting a patch set for RISC-V systems late in the merge window. The patches were intended to deliver key fixes and features but arrived at the last minute, causing delays.
Torvalds described the code as “garbage” and said it made the world worse due to unnecessary complexity. He specifically targeted a helper function that converts unsigned 16-bit integers to 32-bit integers, calling it useless and confusing. The developer had submitted the patches just one day before the merge window closed, which Torvalds considered unacceptable.
Dabbelt has apologized for his mistake, acknowledging he has been late with submissions and causing quality issues. He vowed to improve his submission process and submit code early in the future. However, this means that RISC-V fans will have to wait until Linux 6.18 for the expected fixes and features.
Torvalds’ harsh criticism serves as a reminder of his high standards for kernel development and the importance of submitting quality code on time. The incident highlights the need for developers to be proactive in managing their work and ensuring timely submissions to maintain the integrity of open-source projects like Linux.
Source: https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/11/torvalds_blasts_tardy_kernel_dev