The inode (Index Node) are a fundamental structure in the file systems used by Unix operating systems and Unix-like, like Linux. They contain metadata associated with files and directories, providing information about the properties and physical location of the data within the storage system.
The usefulness of inodes, which Red Hat describes on this page, is undisputed: they allow the operating system to efficiently manage files, allowing quick access to metadata and information about stored objects. The use of inodes avoid duplication of information on disk, helping to save storage space.
An angry Linus Torvalds attacks a Google developer
Linus Torvalds, creator of the Linux kernel, directed one of the most ferocious criticisms of recent years towards Steven Rostedt (Google), sparking a heated debate. The crux of the issue is distinctly technical and has to do with the use of inodes as distinct elements.
While Rostedt, for his part, suggested that all inodes should have unique identifiers, Torvalds argues that – given the evolution of modern file systems – they no longer represent a unique descriptor. A diametrically opposite position which led the creator of the Linux kernel to raise his tone, resorting to really harsh words.
Torvalds warned Rostedt to “Don’t make things more complicated than necessary” and to stop copying the functions of the VFS layer (Virtual File System), considering this practice a “bad idea“. You then took things further by claiming that Rostedt replicated a function without fully understanding it and defined the code he produced as “dirty”.
“And dammit, STOP COPYING VFS LAYER FUNCTIONS. It was a bad idea last time, it’s a terribly bad idea this time too. I won’t accept this kind of crap“, are the words directed to Rostedt.
What is VFS layer?
Il layer VFS is an abstraction layer implemented at the kernel level that provides a common interface for file management operations, regardless of the file system used. Allows applications and other operating system components to interact with files with a “unified” approach, without having to worry about the specific details of the underlying file system.
VFS allows the operating system to transparently manage a variety of file systems: ext4, NTFS, FAT32 and more. The system calls and interfaces it provides allow you to open, close, read, write and manipulate files. When an application requests a file operation, this request passes through the VFS layer, which in turn routes the request to the appropriate file system.
Torvalds makes the same mistakes
In 2018, Torvalds decided to take a break, after a series of behaviors judged as “reckless” e “unprofessional“. He apologized to the participants mailing list which is responsible for following the development of the Linux kernel, a work environment that welcomes many voluntary contributors. After just a month’s hiatus, Torvalds is back at the helm of the Linux kernel. The incident in which he was the protagonist in recent days, however, takes us back in time and clashes with the concept reiterated several times: “only time and software users can declare one code better than another” (from the text Revolutionary by accident, how I created Linux just for fun).
“I’ve wasted enough time with this (Steven Rostedt, editor) e I’m way behind on my other responsibilities“, Torvalds blurted out, then calmed down and returned to calmer language.
Regardless of individual opinions, it is impossible not to remember how the Linux community – based on voluntary contributions – is balanced on constructive and respectful dialogue. Using offensive tones can seriously damage collaboration and compromise the development of the project.
A mailing list like that of the Linux kernel should be far from the tones that too often, unfortunately, characterize discussions on social media. Indeed, they should be environments in which we know what netiquette is, a set of informal rules and good manners that at least the pioneers of the IT world should remember (they date back to 1995).
Credit immagine in apertura: Microsoft Bing Image Creator.