14 DAY TRIAL // Linus Torvalds announced Linux kernel 4.0 Release Candidate 3 this past weekend, and it appears that a patch has been submitted recently into the "Documentation" directory of the Linux kernel’s source code, called "Code of Conflict." This is nothing but a simple text that aims to set the rational basis for the code reviews given by Linus Torvalds and others.
The Linux kernel’s "Code of Conflict" is there to protect kernel developers who feel that they have been personally abused or threatened by the one that reviews their code. It also gives some advice on how reviewers should conduct code reviews, by not using strong language or cursing in their reviews. As such, code reviewers should focus only on the technical issues involved.
“If however, anyone feels personally abused, threatened, or otherwise uncomfortable due to this process, that is not acceptable. If so, please contact the Linux Foundation's Technical Advisory Board,” is stated in Linux kernel’s "Code of Conflict." “As a reviewer of code, please strive to keep things civil and focused on the technical issues involved. We are all humans, and frustrations can be high on both sides of the process.”
Abused kernel developers should notify Linux Foundation's Technical Advisory Board
All Linux kernel developers who feel abused by their reviewers should notify Linux Foundation's Technical Advisory Board immediately. However, the "Code of Conflict" text, which you can read below, states that critique and criticism is allowed, and that most probably the developer’s code and ideas need improvement.
Because the Linux kernel development effort is a quite personal process and cannot be compared with the traditional software development process, in order to deliver a flawless core to all Linux kernel-based operating systems, the 'Code of Conflict" text explains why the code reviews will most likely contain a lot of criticism.