Realtek rtl8723bs Driver Deleted From Staging Area In Linux 7.4
Realtek rtl8723bs driver removed from Linux kernel's staging area in version 7.4, replaced by RTW88 driver.
Intelligence analysis by Qwen 2.5 (3B)
Realtek rtl8723bs driver, previously in staging area for over a decade, is now part of the main networking subsystem in Linux 7.4, replaced by RTW88 driver.
The Realtek rtl8723bs driver, which was used to connect devices to the internet, was moved from a special area in the Linux kernel to the main area. Now, it's part of the regular system, not a test area anymore.
Analysis
{"heading":"The Evolution of the Realtek rtl8723bs Driver","subheading":"From Staging to Mainline","content":["The Realtek rtl8723bs driver, which was first added to the Linux kernel's staging area in 2017, has undergone significant changes over the years. It was initially considered a 'beast of a driver' due to its messy code and active development by many kernel developers.","As the driver matured, it was moved from the staging area to the main networking subsystem in Linux 7.4. This move signifies a shift in the driver's lifecycle, from a temporary area for experimentation to a stable part of the kernel.","The driver's removal from the staging area is a result of the RTW88 driver, which has been improved and is now considered a better fit for the rtl8723bs chipset. This change reflects the ongoing evolution of the Linux kernel and its drivers."]}
Key points
- Realtek rtl8723bs driver removed from staging area in Linux 7.4
- Replaced by RTW88 driver in main networking subsystem
- Driver was considered a 'beast of a driver' due to its messy code
The move to the main area should improve the stability and reliability of the driver, leading to better performance and fewer issues for users.
If the RTW88 driver does not perform as well as expected, users might experience connectivity issues or other problems.