Linux From Scratch Ends Support for SysVinit

Linux From Scratch (LFS) has forged a pivotal shift by announcing the cessation of support for the SysVinit init system, affecting future releases. This decision also impacts Beyond Linux From Scratch (BLFS) and is an essential part of ongoing developments in the Linux community.

End of SysVinit Support

Initially slated to maintain support for SysVinit until 2026, LFS and BLFS have opted to discontinue this effort moving forward. The increasing complexity involved in simultaneously supporting both SysVinit and systemd has been a significant factor in this change.

Pressures of Maintenance

Bruce Dubbs, a representative of Linux From Scratch, highlighted the challenges associated with volunteer efforts. LFS comprises 88 packages, while BLFS has over 1,000. The workload from upstream changes has become overwhelming for the volunteer contributors.

• In the recent release cycle starting September 1st, LFS logged 70 commits.
• BLFS reported 1,155 commits during the same period.

This volume of changes necessitates checking many packages for compatibility with both init systems. A complete review is essential when preparing for releases, further complicating the maintenance process.

Future Package Compatibility

The decision to phase out SysVinit support is compounded by evolving software requirements. Popular desktop environments like GNOME and KDE Plasma increasingly rely on features exclusive to systemd, leaving SysVinit unsupported. While alternative init systems like OpenRC could provide potential workarounds, the transition would not alleviate the ongoing maintenance burden.

Continued Availability and Upcoming Versions

Despite the discontinuation of tests for SysVinit in future releases, LFS and BLFS 12.4 System V books will remain accessible. Users will still be able to use instructions provided therein, although these won’t be officially tested going forward.

The next release of LFS and BLFS is tentatively scheduled for March 1st, with the upcoming version designated as 13.0. Although Dubbs expressed personal discontent over the decision, he acknowledged the need for progress and adaptation in the face of growing operational demands.

Understanding the internal workings of a system remains a tenet of LFS philosophy. While acknowledging the complexity of systemd, Dubbs lamented the knowledge and simplicity lost with the discontinuation of SysVinit support.