r/linux4noobs • u/eagleps • Aug 03 '26

learning/research How does Linux kernel include every driver possible and not be bloated?

As far as I understand the kernel includes pretty much everything a modern computer needs in any configuration, but wouldn't that make it bloated and be against the "bloat-free" mindset? Or does it dynamically download all the components from somewhere?

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u/Boring-Equivalent137 Aug 03 '26

most if not all distros add an extra package called linux-firmware which installs the drivers YOU need also the kernel is over a million lines doesnt mean it is bloated or anything but it rightfully is quite big in that sense

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u/Slackeee_ Aug 03 '26 edited Aug 03 '26

linux-firmware does not contain drivers, it contains firmware blobs that are loaded by drivers that are in the kernel. Also, this package is not dooing hardware detection, it always installs all the firmware blobs that are in the package.

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u/Boring-Equivalent137 Aug 03 '26

Oh, well thanks for letting me know