Re: [gentoo-dev] separate /usr without initramfs

[Benda Xu]

Joshua Kinard <kumba@g.o> writes:

> Put simply, the kernel's single purpose, as nothing more than a
> hyper-complex while loop, is to get the hardware up into a usable state and
> then hand off to userland, then sit and service userland's needs as called
> upon.  The kernel should have all of the subsystems loaded into it necessary
> to accomplish this task.  The fact that the userland, in the current
> ill-conceived case, cannot get itself up and running simply because /usr is
> on a yet-to-be-mounted partition is not a concern of the kernel's.  Thus,
> the loading of an initramfs into the kernel to solve this issue is, in
> principle, a violation (and a Cthulhu-awful hack).
>
> Maybe I'm just a old codger who refuses to accept change.  I'm fine with
> that description.  I like things to remain somewhat simple, and my view of
> Linux, both kernel and userland, over the last few years is one of growing
> dismay due to the constant introduction of subsystem layer atop subsystem
> layer for very little gain.  How much longer until we need a kernel to boot
> the kernel to mount the userland that mounts the userland (yo dawg)?

This a very well put argument that I find enjoyable reading.  Thank you
Joshua.

Yours,
Benda