Linux From Scratch (LFS) & Beyond Linux From Scratch (BLFS) are ending System V init support in version 13.0 due to volunteer workload & modern DE dependencies. Explore the implications for DIY Linux builders, the rise of systemd, and what this means for the future of Linux customization. Over 1,155 package commits force a pivotal infrastructure shift.
The foundational landscape of DIY Linux construction is undergoing a seismic shift. In a move that signals the definitive end of a major epoch in Linux initialization systems, the Linux From Scratch (LFS) and Beyond Linux From Scratch (BLFS) projects have announced the discontinuation of System V init support in all future releases.
This strategic pivot away from the classic SysVinit boot system is not merely a technical update; it represents a fundamental consolidation around systemd, reflecting broader upstream pressures and the harsh realities of volunteer-driven open-source maintenance.
For enthusiasts who rely on LFS to build lean, understanding-centric systems, this decision marks the closing of a significant chapter in Linux boot process education.
Why LFS and BLFS Are Forced to Abandon System V Init
The announcement, made by Bruce Dubbs, a leading editor for the LFS project, cites two insurmountable challenges: unsustainable maintainer workload and the evolving requirements of major desktop environments.
The Overwhelming Volunteer Workload Crisis
At its core, LFS is a monumental volunteer effort. The scale of maintenance is staggering:
Package Volume: LFS covers 88 core packages, while BLFS manages over 1,000 additional packages.
Update Churn: In just one release cycle, the projects handled 70 commits to LFS and 1,155 commits to BLFS.
Dual-System Testing Burden: Each package update required verification for both System V init and systemd configurations, effectively doubling the testing matrix for unpaid editors.
As Dubbs stated, "The volume of changes from upstream is overwhelming the editors." This maintenance burden became the primary catalyst for deprecating the older init system.
Upstream Software Demands: GNOME and KDE's systemd Dependency
The technical rationale is equally compelling. Major desktop environments are now architecturally tied to systemd:
GNOME already depends on systemd-specific functionality.
KDE Plasma is rapidly moving in the same direction, building in requirements that System V init simply cannot fulfill.
While alternatives like OpenRC could theoretically bridge some gaps, they do not solve the core issue of dual-support workload. This upstream shift forces downstream projects like LFS to adapt or risk irrelevance.
A Deeper Look: systemd vs. SysVinit Complexity and Philosophy
What does this transition mean for the educational soul of Linux From Scratch? Bruce Dubbs voiced a poignant personal reservation, highlighting a philosophical tension. He noted that LFS is fundamentally about comprehension: "To me LFS is about learning how a system works. Understanding the boot process is a big part of that."
The complexity disparity is immense:
System V init is comprised of approximately 22 C source files and around 50 concise bash scripts.
systemd, in contrast, spans roughly 1,678 C files plus numerous data files.
This shift means builders transitioning from LFS 12.4 (the final SysVinit version) to LFS 13.0 will encounter a significantly more complex, albeit more powerful, initialization and service management suite. The hands-on learning of parsing simple, readable init scripts will be replaced by engaging with unit files, targets, and the extensive systemd ecosystem.
Timeline, Availability, and Practical Implications for Builders
The project has outlined a clear transition path:
Final System V Release: LFS/BLFS version 12.4 will remain the last stable release with SysVinit support. These books will stay permanently available in the project archives.
New Release Target: The next version, LFS/BLFS 13.0, is targeting a release date of March 1st and will be systemd-exclusive.
Forward Compatibility: Builders can continue using the 12.4 books, and newer packages may still compile, but they will receive no further testing or support from the LFS editorial team.
For the DIY Linux community, this necessitates a strategic decision. Purists seeking the classic init experience may choose to freeze their practice at the 12.4 documentation. Those wishing to stay current with modern Linux internals must now grapple with systemd's paradigm.
The Broader Context: Systemd's Consolidation in the Linux Ecosystem
This decision by LFS is a microcosm of a decade-long industry-wide consolidation. Systemd has evolved from a controversial init replacement to the de facto standard for most major Linux distributions (RHEL, Fedora, Debian, Ubuntu, Arch Linux).
Its features—including aggressive parallelization, socket activation, sophisticated logging via journald, and integrated service management—have become expected infrastructure for contemporary desktop and server software.
The LFS move validates that even projects dedicated to ultimate customization must acknowledge the gravitational pull of this standard. It underscores a key lesson in open-source economics: when upstream dependencies consolidate, downstream maintainer fatigue can force decisive, pragmatic choices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I still build a System V init system using LFS?
A: Yes, but only using the LFS/BLFS 12.4 book version. It will not be updated or tested with newer package versions.Q: Are there any alternatives to systemd for a from-scratch build?
A: Projects like Gentoo with OpenRC or niche distributions keep other init systems alive. However, for following the official LFS guide, systemd is now the sole supported option.Q: Does this make LFS less valuable for learning Linux?
A: Not necessarily. While the init system changes, the core lessons of compilation, dependency resolution, filesystem hierarchy, and toolchain building remain intact. Learning systemd is now an essential modern Linux skill.Q: What is the main technical advantage of systemd over System V init?
A: systemd offers faster boot times via parallel service startup, more precise service control (cgroups, dependencies), unified logging, and better integration with modern Linux kernel features.Q: Where can I find the official announcement?
A: The decision was announced by Bruce Dubbs on the Linux From Scratch project mailing lists and forums, which serve as the primary source for project governance.Conclusion: Embracing Evolution in Linux Education
The end of System V init support in Linux From Scratch is a watershed moment. It is driven by the immutable constraints of volunteer labor and the inexorable forward march of software dependencies.
While it closes a door on a simpler, more transparent era of boot process education, it opens another onto the complex reality of contemporary Linux systems administration.
For builders, the path forward is clear: to truly understand a modern Linux system from the ground up, engaging with systemd is no longer optional.
The LFS project's difficult decision ensures its continued relevance, guiding a new generation through the intricacies of today's dominant Linux initialization architecture. The legacy of System V init will live on in archives and historical study, but the future of customizable Linux is unequivocally intertwined with systemd.
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