The Evolution of the Linux Build System

Abstract

Software evolution entails more than just redesigning and reimplementing functionality of, fixing bugs in, or adding new features to source code. These evolutionary forces induce similar changes on the software's build system too, with far-reaching consequences on both overall developer productivity as well as software configurability. In this paper we take a look at this phenomenon in the Linux kernel from its inception up until present day. We do this by analysing the kernel's build traces with MAKAO, our re(verse)-engineering framework for build systems. This helps us in detecting interesting idioms and patterns in the dynamic build behaviour. Finding a good balance between obtaining a fast, correct build system and migrating in a stepwise fashion turns out to be the general theme throughout the evolution of the Linux build system.