Linus: Don't Use ZFS (realworldtech.com)

Article summary

Linus Torvalds advises against using ZFS due to licensing issues and perceived lack of maintenance. He believes the benchmarks do not make ZFS look great and questions its long-term stability. The discussion revolves around the use of ZFS in Linux and potential alternatives. Some users prefer ZFS for its features and performance, despite the licensing concerns.

Main themes

• ZFS licensing issues
• Linux filesystems
• Performance benchmarks
• Alternative operating systems
• Filesystem development
• Licensing and legal concerns

What commenters say

• The use of ZFS in Linux is not recommended due to licensing issues and potential legal troubles.
• ZFS has better performance and features compared to native Linux filesystems, making it a worthwhile choice despite licensing concerns.
• The Linux community should focus on developing its own filesystems rather than relying on ZFS.
• Oracle should consider re-licensing ZFS under a more permissive license to maximize its adoption.
• The maintenance and development of ZFS are still active, contrary to some claims.
• FreeBSD is a viable alternative for those who want to use ZFS without the licensing issues associated with Linux.
• The benchmarks comparing ZFS to other filesystems are often flawed and do not accurately represent its performance in real-world scenarios.