Apr 02, 2025 10:58:00

Linus Torvalds rages after calling Linux 6.15-rc1 test code filthy

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Linus Torvalds, the benevolent dictator for life of the Linux kernel, has reportedly erupted in anger after testing code included in the Linux 6.15-rc1 kernel slowed down the build process and generated unnecessary temporary files in directories.

Torvalds Frustrated Over 'Disgusting' Testing 'Turd' DRM Code Landing In Linux 6.15 - Phoronix
https://www.phoronix.com/news/Linux-6.15-hdrtest-Turd

Linus Torvalds rages against 'random turd files' in Linux 6.15-rc1 directories | Tom's Hardware
https://www.tomshardware.com/software/linux/linus-torvalds-rages-against-random-turd-files-in-linux-6-15-rc1-directories

The problem was with the test code 'hdrtest' related to the Intel Xe GPU driver in the Linux kernel 6.15 rc1. This hdrtest is a useful check tool from a technical standpoint, as it verifies the consistency of whether the C header files used in the GPU driver can be included without conflicting with other files.

However, because hdrtest was set to run automatically with common build settings like allmodconfig, it was run every time the Linux kernel was built, unnecessarily lengthening build times, and leaving temporary files in the kernel source directory during the process that interfered with file completion.

Regarding this, Torvalds said on the Linux kernel development mailing list , 'I pulled it and resolved the (minor) conflicts, but in the end I realized that this awful piece of crap called 'hdrtest' had been mixed in. This code runs every time you build something, even in a normal allmodconfig build, which slows down the build, and it also silently spews filthy 'hdrtest' temporary files into the include directory.'

Torvalds has repeatedly warned about 'irrelevant test code and intermediate files being output during builds,' and this latest incident seems to have finally put an end to his patience. 'Why is this test code being run as part of the normal build? This thing needs to die,' he said in anger.

Torvalds advised developers to run 'hdrtest' as part of their self-checks to prevent everyone else from seeing all that nasty stuff and filth, and he also informed them that he would be marking 'hdrtest' as 'BROKEN' and disabling it for the time being to keep it out of builds.