Linux evolved from a solo project into a collaborative effort, Torvalds says

Linus Torvalds and early contributors describe how Linux grew from a 1991 solo kernel project into a broader community effort, aided by early mirrors, a community-funded hardware upgrade, and the decision to use the GNU GPL.

Linus Torvalds and several early contributors recount how Linux moved from an individual hobby to a community-maintained project. Torvalds began developing a Unix-like kernel in 1991 and released an early snapshot that autumn. The project directory on the FUNET FTP server was named Linux, and volunteers began downloading, testing and returning patches. Over the next years, technical work, mirrors and licensing changes broadened participation. Key points: - Torvalds posted about his hobby kernel in August 1991 and released Linux 0.02 on October 5, 1991, with roughly 10,000 lines of code. - Ari Lemmke set up the first servers at nic.funet.fi and named the project directory "Linux," while Torvalds had initially considered the name "Freax." - Theodore "Ted" Ts'o established an early North American mirror at MIT, improving access for developers outside Europe. - Supporters collected checks to upgrade Torvalds' machine from a 386 to a 486DX/2, an early example of community-funded hardware. - In 1992 Torvalds moved the kernel under the GNU General Public License, which the article reports helped developers create distributions and expand the user base. Summary: The transition from a one-person effort to a shared project was driven by wider access, volunteer contributions, community-funded resources, and a clear free-software license, all of which expanded who could participate and build on the kernel. Undetermined at this time.