About once a year, the Foundation Linux Foundation analyzes the online repository that holds the kernel source code, or kernel, of the Linux operating system. As it monitors the growing complexity of the kernel in the ever-evolving versions 3,0 - 3,10, the report reveals who contributes to the code, and who are the dominant companies playing a role in what started as a volunteer in 1991.
Who pays the bills?
While volunteer contributors still make up the majority of developers, over 80% of code comes from people who are paid for their work. Linux Foundation Notes that contributions have been increased by companies making 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 :)