About once a year, the Foundation Linux Foundation parses the online repository that holds the source code of the kernel, or core, of the Linux operating system. As it tracks the increasing complexity of the kernel in the ever-evolving versions 3,0 – 3,10, the report reveals who is contributing to the code, and which are the dominant companies playing a role in what began as a volunteer effort in 1991.
Who pays the bills?
While volunteer contributors still account for most of the developers, over 80% of the code comes from people who are paid for their work. The Linux Foundation notes that contributions have grown from companies that make mobile and embedded systems such as Linaro, The Samsung and Texas Instruments. (* the involvement of companies is not necessarily good, as no one knows what is hidden behind them)
The Gatekeepers
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 Writers
The above developers write the most code in the updates for versions 3.2 - 3.10.
The growing Kernel
The increase in the size of the Linux kernel 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 mobile devices.
GeorgeP83 whatever :)