From: Linus Torvalds To: Subject: [RFC] Remove IPv4 support from kernel, effective next merge window Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2025 10:42:00 -0700 Message-ID: Hey folks, After yet another *deeply* technical a

From: Linus Torvalds
To:
Subject:
[RFC] Remove IPv4 support from kernel, effective next merge window
Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2025 10:42:00 -0700
Message-ID:
Hey folks,
After yet another *deeply* technical and entirely calm discussion about HRT
(High-Resolution Timers) that somehow devolved into 200+ replies, personal
I have decided it’s time to take
insults, and at least one GIF of a raccoon,
drastic measures.
Effective next merge window, we will be *removing IPv4 support* from the
kernel. This will both (a) resolve the scheduling disputes, and
force the world into the IPv6 utopia we were promised back in 1998.
If you need IPv4 after this point, you can either:
run an ancient kernel from before the change (good luck with the bugs), or
rewrite your applications to use IPv6 and learn to love colons in your
addresses.
Yes, I realize this will break roughly *everything*.
No, I don't care. I have already switched all my machines to ТРуб-оп1у, except
for the toaster, which unfortunately still insists on using a
address. The toaster will be replaced.
If you disagree with this decision, I suggest you take it up with the HRT
maintainers. But please keep it civil this time. (Or at least keep the raccoon
GIFs under
Linus