Kernelnewbies網站的這個部份本意是如何讓程式碼併入上層核心的手冊, 由Linus Torvalds維護和可以從kernel.org取得的的核心樹.
合併至上游程式碼有什麼好處?
合併你的原始碼至上游要花費精力,貢獻和時間. 過程並不容易, 因為Linus接受程式碼進入他的版本時, 他冒著這一輩子得維護該程式碼的風險. 如果品質差的程式碼被接受, 維護Linux核心會變得非常睏難. 這些理由還有更多意指讓程式碼收入Linux核心門坎相對的提高.
然而, 讓你的程式碼收入核心也有許多的好處.
可維護性
追上上游核心變更是艱巨任務, 每次上游核心一變更要花費開發者數天或是好幾個禮拜的時間. 存在上游的程式碼沒有這樣的議題存在, 因為核心開發人員頃向簡化查找原始碼和修補受到預定發佈API變更影響的驅動程式. 這樣一來讓空出你的開發人員作更重要的工作.
普遍存在
你的原始碼將被出現在每一個Linux發行版本裡. 這關係著如果你想販賣你的硬體給每個Linux使用者. 不再需要遊說讓你的修補程式成為發行版本的一部份(困難), 你可以只要求他們切換設定選項(容易).
品質控制
Some of the world's best developers will be going over your source code with a fine comb. This may be embarrassing for a few days or weeks, but in the end the code tends to work better and be more easily maintained. In some cases the upstream developers have made network and storage drivers 30% faster, making the hardware more attractive to customers.
How to merge code upstream
Merging code into the upstream kernel can be a daunting process to the uninitiated. However, with the right strategy in mind, you won't get lost on your way to upstream acceptance.
/MergingStrategy strategies for merging code upstream.
/WhatNotToDo what you should never do if you want to merge upstream.
/GettingFlamed Oh no! The kernel developers said bad things about me, my code and my cat! What do I do now?
Helpful documents from the kernel tree:
/SubmittingDrivers how to submit device drivers to the linux kernel.
/SubmittingPatches how to submit patches to the linux kernel.
/SubmitChecklist a checklist for submitting code upstream.
Other documents on getting patches upstream:
- The Perfect Patch
- The Linux Driver Project