this post was submitted on 17 Sep 2026
-16 points (21.4% liked)

Linux

19691 readers
11 users here now

Welcome to c/linux!

Welcome to our thriving Linux community! Whether you're a seasoned Linux enthusiast or just starting your journey, we're excited to have you here. Explore, learn, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share a passion for open-source software and the endless possibilities it offers. Together, let's dive into the world of Linux and embrace the power of freedom, customization, and innovation. Enjoy your stay and feel free to join the vibrant discussions that await you!

Rules:

  1. Stay on topic: Posts and discussions should be related to Linux, open source software, and related technologies.

  2. Be respectful: Treat fellow community members with respect and courtesy.

  3. Quality over quantity: Share informative and thought-provoking content.

  4. No spam or self-promotion: Avoid excessive self-promotion or spamming.

  5. No NSFW adult content

  6. Follow general lemmy guidelines.

founded 3 years ago
MODERATORS
 

Relevant to SteamOS and open-platform gaming, it proposes a different paradigm for Linux-based distributions and operating systems, one that could address compatibility issues on alternative platforms that Windows users often take for granted.

EDIT: added a QnA section that tries to answer some of the questions posed here.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] thenextguy@sh.itjust.works 26 points 1 month ago (17 children)

At least skip the Reddit link and post the source...

https://parallel-minds0.github.io/An-Open-Letter-on-Linux-Compatibility/

From a quick skim, I think the author doesn't really know that much about how Linux and its various components and libraries actually work. Though it seems they are loosely proposing somebody new compatibility layer?

And what is this supposed NT compatibility promise?

The Linux kernel has maintained strict backwards compatibility at the user space level for ages.

Individual libraries are versioned and can be kept around for as long as anyone likes.

Package management and dependencies might be a bigger problem, but I would guess a manageable one?

[–] parallelminds@lemmy.world -2 points 1 month ago (6 children)

Your comment reduces my article to vague claims of ignorance and a basic mention of something you admittedly only glanced on. The article is much richer in depth than your comment suggests, I encourage people here to actually read it so we can have a proper discussion. I promise you that it won't disappoint even if you don't agree fully with it.

[–] thenextguy@sh.itjust.works 6 points 1 month ago (5 children)

I did read it. It's not that long.

I still don't know what problem you are trying to resolve that doesn't already have one or more solutions.

You listed one issue, specific to gaming and cheating, that was simple human error and miscommunication that I don't believe would be solved by what you are proposing.

What other examples do you have? You seem to be starting with an assumption that everyone knows and agrees what the problem is without truly stating it.

The Linux kernel, and most userspace libraries already have a contract to maintain backwards compatibility. Some developers may choose to ignore this or make mistakes and break this contract. Again I do not believe that adding some new compatibility layer will fix this.

I'm sorry, but your article seems very hand wavy to me and doesn't have enough detail on how it would work. What you are proposing seems huge. I can't imagine enough people buying in to the idea to get it off the ground.

load more comments (3 replies)
load more comments (3 replies)
load more comments (13 replies)