Linux 7.3 released with record 18,765 commits, sched_ext finalized
Linus Torvalds released Linux 7.3 with a record 18,765 non-merge commits from 3,021 developers, including 807 first-time contributors.
Summary
Linux 7.3 is now available after a standard two-week release cycle. The release sets records for contribution volume and newcomer participation. Notable additions include the completed sched_ext subscheduler, a new failfs filesystem for testing, the fchroot() system call, and BPF global per-CPU data support. Linus Torvalds noted he will begin the 7.4 merge window on a delayed schedule due to vacation.
What's new in Linux 7.3
- sched_ext subscheduler feature is now complete, enabling extensible scheduling policies in BPF
- failfs filesystem added: fails all operations, intended for testing and development
- fchroot() system call added for changing root directory via file descriptor
- Global per-CPU data support for BPF programs
- binfmt_misc extensions and group-scheduling improvements for large systems
- Working-set tracking for virtual machines
- ntfs3 gains alternative data-stream support
- Extensive SMB server improvements
Why it matters
The record contributor count, with over 800 first-time developers, indicates continued growth in the kernel development community. The completion of sched_ext provides production-ready infrastructure for custom scheduling policies in cloud and HPC environments.
What to do
- If you build or maintain Linux kernels, update to Linux 7.3 to get the finalized sched_ext subscheduler, fchroot() system call, failfs filesystem, and BPF global per-CPU data support.
- Watch for a delayed 7.4 merge window since Linus Torvalds is on vacation and will merge patches in the afternoon rather than first thing in the morning.
Original reference: lwn.net →