The video highlights the milestone achievement of merging the last preempt RT patches into the Linux Mainline, officially enabling real-time kernel capabilities across various architectures, which was celebrated by Linus Torvalds and Thomas Gleixner. While real-time kernels are not essential for typical desktop users, they are crucial for applications requiring strict timing, particularly in embedded systems like industrial and automotive applications.
The video discusses the significant milestone in the development of Real-Time Linux, marking 2024 as the year when the last of the preempt RT patches were merged into the Linux Mainline. This event is celebrated as a major achievement in the Linux community, highlighted by a ceremonial presentation where Thomas Gleixner, the maintainer of the patches, handed Linus Torvalds the official pull request wrapped in gold. This moment underscores the collaborative and human aspect of Linux kernel development, showcasing the dedication of the developers involved.
Linus Torvalds reviewed and merged the official commit that enables preempt RT on various architectures, including x86, ARM64, RISC-V, and both 32-bit and 64-bit x86 systems. The commit itself is relatively small, primarily involving changes to the Kconfig files that define architecture support for real-time features. This integration means that users can now access real-time kernel options directly from the mainline kernel, eliminating the need for out-of-tree patches and making it easier for users to compile their own kernels with real-time capabilities.
While the real-time kernel may not significantly impact typical desktop users, it is essential for specific applications that require strict timing and scheduling. Real-time kernels are particularly beneficial for tasks that must meet deadlines, such as real-time audio and video processing. The video explains that if a process does not wake up in time to handle incoming data, it can lead to data loss, making real-time operating systems crucial for applications where timing is critical.
The video also addresses the misconception that real-time kernels are necessary for all Linux users. In reality, they are not commonly used in desktop or server environments. Instead, real-time capabilities are more relevant in embedded systems, which constitute a large portion of Linux deployments. Examples include industrial machines, CNC machines, and automotive systems, where timely execution of processes is vital to ensure safety and functionality.
In conclusion, the merging of the preempt RT patches into the Linux Mainline marks the end of a long journey toward making Linux a real-time operating system. This development opens up new possibilities for various applications that require precise timing and scheduling, particularly in embedded systems. With the real-time features now officially part of the mainline kernel, developers and users can leverage these capabilities more easily, enhancing the versatility and reliability of Linux in critical applications.