InitWare is a portable init system inspired by systemd, designed to function across multiple operating systems, including Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, and OpenBSD. It aims to provide a familiar systemd-like experience and API on these platforms while remaining lightweight and configurable. The project utilizes a combination of C and POSIX sh for portability and reimplements core systemd functionalities like service management, device management, and login management. InitWare seeks to offer a viable alternative to traditional init systems on BSDs and a more streamlined and potentially faster option compared to full systemd on Linux.
InitWare presents itself as a portable and lightweight reimplementation of systemd, designed to operate on a wider range of operating systems, specifically including various BSDs (FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD, and potentially DragonFly BSD) and Linux. The project aims to provide the core functionality and perceived benefits of systemd without being tightly coupled to the Linux kernel or GNU userland tools.
Key features and goals of InitWare include:
- Cross-platform Compatibility: A primary focus is on operating seamlessly across multiple operating systems, offering a unified init system experience regardless of the underlying kernel or userland. This allows users familiar with systemd on Linux to leverage their knowledge on BSD systems.
- Reimplementation, Not a Port: InitWare is built from the ground up, drawing inspiration from systemd's architecture and functionality but not directly porting its existing codebase. This approach allows for greater flexibility in adapting to the specific requirements of different operating systems.
- Lightweight Design: InitWare strives to maintain a smaller footprint than systemd, potentially resulting in faster boot times and reduced resource consumption, especially on resource-constrained systems. This is achieved by focusing on core functionalities and avoiding unnecessary dependencies.
- systemd Feature Parity (Eventual Goal): While still under active development, the project aims to eventually achieve feature parity with a significant subset of systemd's functionality, including service management, socket activation, device management, and logging. This allows for consistent management of system resources and services across different platforms.
- BSD Integration: On BSD systems, InitWare integrates with the base system’s utilities and conventions wherever possible, minimizing friction and ensuring a smoother user experience within the BSD ecosystem.
- Written in C: The project utilizes C as its primary programming language, prioritizing performance, portability, and close-to-the-metal control.
- Open Source: InitWare is released under a permissive open-source license (ISC), encouraging community contributions and further development.
The project is currently in active development, meaning not all planned features are fully implemented or stable. The degree of compatibility and feature completeness across different operating systems may also vary. Despite its early stage, InitWare represents an ambitious undertaking to bring a systemd-like init system experience to a wider audience, potentially bridging the gap between Linux and BSD systems.
Summary of Comments ( 11 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43568503
Hacker News users discussed InitWare, a portable systemd fork, with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. Some questioned the value proposition, given the maturity and ubiquity of systemd, wondering if the project addressed a real need or was a solution in search of a problem. Others expressed concerns about maintaining compatibility across different operating systems and the potential for fragmentation. However, some commenters were intrigued by the possibility of a more lightweight and portable init system, particularly for embedded systems or specialized use cases where systemd might be overkill. Several users also inquired about specific technical details, like the handling of cgroups and service management, demonstrating a genuine interest in the project's approach. The overall sentiment leaned towards cautious observation, with many waiting to see if InitWare could carve out a niche or offer tangible benefits over existing solutions.
The Hacker News post discussing InitWare, a portable systemd fork running on BSDs and Linux, has generated a number of comments, primarily focusing on the motivations behind the project and its potential implications.
Several commenters express skepticism about the value proposition of InitWare. They question the need for another init system, especially one derived from systemd, given the existing options and the controversies surrounding systemd's design philosophy. Some argue that the resources invested in InitWare could be better directed towards improving existing init systems or addressing other needs within the BSD ecosystem. The complexity of systemd is also raised as a concern, with some suggesting that a simpler init system would be more suitable for BSDs.
A recurring theme is the perception of systemd as overly complex and monolithic. Commenters express concern about replicating these perceived flaws in a new project. They suggest that a more modular approach, focusing on interoperability and leveraging existing BSD tools, would be a better strategy.
Some commenters discuss the technical challenges involved in porting systemd to different operating systems, highlighting the potential for inconsistencies and unexpected behavior. They also raise concerns about the long-term maintenance burden of such a project.
There's a discussion about the licensing implications of forking systemd, given its LGPL license. Commenters clarify the requirements of the LGPL and how they apply to InitWare.
A few commenters express interest in the project, appreciating the effort to bring systemd's features to other platforms. They suggest potential use cases and benefits, such as improved containerization support. However, even those expressing interest also voice reservations about the project's overall direction and potential drawbacks.
One commenter questions the naming of the project, suggesting that it might be confused with existing software.
The overall sentiment appears to be predominantly cautious and skeptical, with many commenters expressing concerns about the project's goals and feasibility. While there's some interest in the technical aspects of the porting effort, the majority of comments question the necessity and wisdom of recreating systemd on other operating systems.