From: jwiegand@manny.eng.temple.edu (Don't Panic!) Subject: IPCC 93 Paper: The Cooperative Development of Linux Date: 19 May 1993 07:29:38 GMT
The Cooperative Development of Linux
James Wiegand
Abstract
Linux is a UNIXtm clone being developed by a cooperative of software
authors who communicate mostly by electronic mail and the USENET newsgroup
comp.os.linux. This effort was begun by Linus Benedict Torvalds in 1991
as an exercise to "learn 80386 protected mode programming." From its modest
beginnings as a task-switcher, Linus and many contributors have built Linux
into a modern operating system. Linux will emerge from alpha testing
sometime this year. The initial release, which was only useful as a
demonstration, sparked an interest in tapping the power present in the
Intel 80386/80486 microprocessors.
The development of Linux is unique in the history of operating
systems. The entire source code is freely distributable, protected by
the Free Software Foundation "copyleft." There are many utilities for
the system online in both source and binary form. Linus Torvalds, the
main author and coordinator of Linux development, is available to offer
assistance and consider enhancements to the operating system. Until now,
operating system development has been the province of proprietary
development companies and academia, which seek to protect the
intellectual property that they have developed.
What, then, is the motivation that drives the development of Linux?
How did the actions of Linus Torvalds spark such an effort? Why do
individuals devote effort to the improvement of Linux despite the absence
of any remuneration? What are the dynamics that keep this development
organized and progressive? The answers to these questions are found by
reexamining the classic "hobbyist" phenomena. Linus Torvalds is the de
facto leader of the "Linux Club," whose deep understanding of the operating
system and frequent test releases fuel the interest of others. Participants
in this "club" obtain a powerful operating system for only the cost in
downloading it, and continue its development for their own benefit. The
planning and carrying out of new projects (such as the documentation
project) and new features (such as the recent addition of networking code)
happen because talented individuals share an interest and are linked by
the ready access of electronic mail.
This paper examines in detail the cooperative development of Linux.
The early history of Linux reveals what inspired people to work with Linus
initially. Emerging group dynamics are surveyed to find how the current
Linux "club" came to assemble itself. The "club" model shows how the
facilities of the Internet and USENET became their virtual meeting place.
Analysis of current projects shows how the participants divide themselves
into groups according to their interest, and work in these interlocked
circles to add to the entire effort. Finally, the "club" model explains
not only the popularity of Linux, but also as serves as a model for future
software development using electronic communications.
Comments?
jim
will post for food