Linus Torvalds has removed the Bcachefs file system from the main Linux kernel advancement tree,citing concerns over its code quality and maintainability. The decision follows years of development and integration efforts for the next-generation, copy-on-wriet file system designed for high performance and data integrity.
the removal signals a setback for Bcachefs and its developer, Kent Overstreet, and highlights the critically important hurdles faced by new file systems seeking inclusion in the Linux kernel. Major tech companies-including Google (Ext4), Meta and SUSE (Btrfs), and Oracle and Red Hat (XFS)-invest millions annually in hardware and personnel to test and refine the file systems already embedded in Linux.Successfully navigating kernel inclusion requires not only innovative technology but also the resources for extensive, real-world testing and ongoing maintenance to meet the demands of a diverse user base. File systems are notoriously complex, and achieving stability across a wide range of applications typically demands years of refinement, mirroring the development trajectories of established file systems like Btrfs, Ext4, Reiserfs, and XFS.
Torvalds’ decision comes despite recent claims from Overstreet that the core Bcachefs code had reached a “stable” state. however, the kernel maintainer expressed reservations about the project’s overall quality and long-term sustainability, suggesting it wasn’t ready for the rigorous demands of inclusion in the mainline kernel. The future of Bcachefs now rests on continued external development and potential re-submission once concerns are addressed.
