Linux 7.0 release halted by performance bug in postgresql

The Linux 7.0 release is facing a tense standoff, mere days before its anticipated mid-April debut. After a turbulent cycle of release candidates plagued by errors, the community had hoped for calmer waters. Instead, a critical performance bug affecting PostgreSQL has emerged as a major roadblock.

Postgresql performance plummets by half

A trigger was pulled by an AWS engineer, who discovered the kernel change causing the issue: the removal of the PREEMPT_NONE option. This tweak impacts how the system handles processor tasks, resulting in a 55% CPU idle time – a significant slowdown. The computer works harder, but productivity suffers.

Now, Linux developers face a dilemma. Reverting the change would undo recent kernel work, but it wouldn't solve the underlying problem, which could resurface with future changes. An alternative solution proposes adapting PostgreSQL to use a different internal timing system, rseq, but this would require urgent PostgreSQL updates – a tall order before the official 7.0 launch.

Linux 7.0 release timeline in jeopardy

While last-minute hiccups are common, the severity of this bug has Linus Torvalds on edge. As of now, there's no word of a delay, but the calendar points to a mid-April release, with estimates ranging from April 5 to 19, depending on the number of remaining release candidates.

Fed-up users of rolling-release distributions can expect the update almost instantly upon launch. Those preferring a more stable, tested experience will have to wait for Ubuntu 26.04 or test the latest 7.0-rc7 using tools like Mainline, which allows easy installation of various kernel versions.