Old CPU architecture will drop support in Linux

Linux kernel maintainers have decided to abandon support for the old CPU architecture in the upcoming release. Therefore, the Linux 4.17 kernel will reduce about 500,000 lines of code, which currently contains about 20.3 million lines of code. The architectures to be deprecated are Blackfin, CRIS, FRV, M32R, Metag, MN10300, Score, and Tile. Although not abandoned, the Unicore32 and Hexagon architectures are at risk, but their maintenance personnel is working hard to improve the situation so that they can continue to support it.

Kernel developer Arnd Bergmann in the Linux kernel mailing list posting said:

“This [pull request] removes the entire architecture code for blackfin, cris, frv, m32r, metag, mn10300, score, and tile, including the associated device drivers.

I have been working with the (former) maintainers for each one to ensure that my interpretation was right and the code is definitely unused in mainline kernels. Many had fond memories of working on the respective ports to start with and getting them included in upstream, but also saw no point in keeping the port alive without any users.”

Discarding the support of the old CPU architecture in the upcoming release will reduce the size of the kernel, and it will also reduce the number of attack vectors in the kernel if there are any potential errors.

Source: Neowin