The release of Linux kernel 6.15-rc7 has introduced a variety of enhancements, including critical bug fixes and improvements to overall performance. Key updates involve addressing issues such as invalid delays through value checks, resolving memory leaks, and enabling atomic writes for multipathing in the block layer. Additionally, the kernel has corrected self-deadlock situations, eliminated duplicate definitions, and ensured proper lock states during hotplug operations. Notable improvements also include a larger patch for the scheduling extension subsystem and various fixes relating to hardware compatibility and operational stability, such as issues with USB host detection and memory management.

While the release cycle has generally been stable, it has faced some challenges, particularly with CPU bug mitigations adding complexity. However, these have been efficiently managed, leading to a solid release candidate that is expected to culminate in the final 6.15 version next weekend. The release notes detail numerous specific contributions from various developers addressing a wide range of issues, from audio and graphics to networking and memory management.

Looking ahead, the Linux community can anticipate more robust performance with the 6.15 release, as ongoing efforts to streamline and stabilize the kernel continue. As developers work collaboratively to tackle remaining bugs and implement features, the evolution of the Linux kernel remains a dynamic and collaborative effort, ensuring that it meets the needs of its diverse user base. The final release will likely incorporate additional feedback and refinements based on community testing and contributions

Linux Kernel 6.15-rc7 released

The release of Linux kernel 6.15-rc7 brings several fixes and improvements to the kernel. The kernel includes bug mitigations, such as using value to check for invalid delays, fixing memory leaks, and enabling BLK_FEAT_ATOMIC_WRITES for multipathing. Other changes include fixing self deadlock, removing duplicate BTF_ID_FLAGS definitions, and fixing the rq lock state in hotplug ops. The patch also includes a slightly bigger patch for sched-ext. The kernel has been updated with fixes for various issues, such as addressing a typo in MT7988 ESW capability and fixing a folio leak in submit_one_async_extent(). The final 6.15 release is expected next weekend.

The list of changes in the X86 kernel includes fixes for various issues, such as split 1024-byte hexdumps, SND_AICA dependency on SH_DMA_API, and more. The list also includes fixes for USB 2.0 host detection failure, wlan_ctrl_by_user detection, and CGX Receive counters. Other improvements include introducing NULL check in uclogic_input_configured(), introducing the devmem_only flag for allocation, and fixing LDO5 shutdown causing SD card timeout. The list also includes fixes for encoding DSB, proton-pack, BHB mitigation, processor subtable walk, and memory leaks.

Linux Kernel 6.15-rc7 released @ Linux Compatible