About once a year, the Linux Foundation analyzes the online repository that holds the source code for the kernel, or kernel, of the Linux operating system. As it tracks the kernel's increasing complexity through the ever-evolving versions 3,0 – 3,10, the report reveals who contributes to the code, and which major companies play a role in what began as a volunteer effort in 1991.
While volunteer contributors still make up the majority of developers, over 80% of the code comes from people who are paid for their work. The Linux Foundation notes that contributions have increased from companies that make mobile and embedded systems, such as Linaro , Samsung , and Texas Instruments . (* corporate involvement is not necessarily a good thing, as no one knows what is behind them)
Contributions from individual developers have been signed-off before being incorporated into the official core code. Here businesses really dominate, with just over one 5% of approvals from volunteer developers.
The above developers write the most code in the updates for versions 3.2 - 3.10.
The increase in Linux kernel size is due to the incorporation of important new features, including a file system optimized for solid-state drives to support 64-bit ARM microprocessors used in embedded and portable devices.
George is still wondering what he is doing here….
GeorgeP83 whatever :)