Linux Memory Had One Maintainer for 26 Years. He Just Quit. Now What?
The long-time maintainer of the Linux memory subsystem has announced his intention to step down after 26 years. This subsystem is critical for the operation of Android phones, cloud servers, and supercomputers, and has been a significant source of security vulnerabilities. The memory management team is now faced with the challenge of finding a replacement for this key role.
- ▪The Linux memory subsystem has been maintained by one person for 26 years.
- ▪This subsystem is crucial for the operation of Android phones, cloud servers, and supercomputers.
- ▪17.9% of Linux kernel security vulnerabilities from 2020 to 2024 originated from this code.
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Member-only storyLinux Memory Had One Maintainer for 26 Years. He Just Quit. Now What?One person held the code that runs every Android phone, cloud server, and supercomputer for 26 years. On April 21, he posted one message and then was silent.Can Artuc8 min read·May 21, 2026--27ListenSharePress enter or click to view image in full sizePhoto by Jordan Seott on UnsplashTwenty-six years. One maintainer.Every Android phone, every cloud server, every supercomputer on the planet depends on a single kernel subsystem to allocate, reclaim, and protect its memory. 164 source files, all interlinked.
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