Skip to content

Decouple kernel headers from glibc #6

Description

@sighook

Context

At present, Linux kernel headers are bundled inside the glibc and glibc-32 packages. This tight coupling makes maintenance harder and introduces conflicts when updating either glibc or kernel headers.

Goal

Split kernel headers into a dedicated linux-headers package.
This provides cleaner package separation and allows kernel headers to be managed independently, while ensuring glibc builds remain stable.

Transition Considerations

  • Direct removal of headers from glibc would break builds due to file ownership conflicts.
  • A staged approach is required:
    • Phase 1: introduce linux-headers with path separation (/usr/include/linux-headers-<version>/).
    • Phase 2: configure glibc to build against external headers.
    • Phase 3: temporarily duplicate headers in both packages.
    • Phase 4: drop headers from glibc once validated.

Child Issues

Why This Parent Exists

This issue defines the overarching refactor theme.

  • It explains the motivation.
  • It links to child issues for concrete steps.
  • It ensures contributors understand the architectural direction without diving into build scripts.

Metadata

Metadata

Assignees

No one assigned

    Labels

    enhancementNew feature or request

    Type

    Projects

    Status
    Packages

    Relationships

    None yet

    Development

    No branches or pull requests

    Issue actions