Linux kernel 7.4 removes __get_user() and __put_user() primitives
Key Takeaway
A major cleanup in the Linux kernel removes long-deprecated user-space memory access primitives.
Summary
Linus Torvalds has submitted a 48-part patch series for the Linux 7.4 kernel that removes the __get_user() and __put_user() functions. These primitives were previously used to access user-space memory from the kernel but have long been superseded by safer alternatives. This change represents a significant long-delayed cleanup of the kernel codebase.
Cleaning up kernel memory access
- The removal is part of a 48-part patch series submitted by Linus Torvalds.
- The functions __get_user() and __put_user() are being phased out in favor of modern, safer alternatives.
- This cleanup is targeted for the Linux 7.4 release.
- The change addresses technical debt by removing primitives that were once best practice but are now obsolete.
Why it matters
This move streamlines the kernel codebase by removing obsolete functions, though it requires ensuring all legacy code has transitioned to newer memory access methods.
Original reference: lwn.net →