A Dataset of Feature Additions and Feature Removals from the Linux Kernel

This paper describes a dataset of feature additions and removals in the Linux kernel evolution history, spanning over seven years of kernel development. Features, in this context, denote configurable system options that users select when creating customized kernel images. The provided dataset is the largest corpus we are aware of capturing feature additions and removals, allowing researchers to assess the kernel evolution from a feature-oriented point-of-view. Furthermore, the dataset can be used to better understand how features evolve over time, and how different artifacts change as a result. One particular use of the dataset is to provide a real-world case to assess existing support for feature traceability and evolution. In this paper, we detail the dataset extraction process, the underlying database schema, and example queries. The dataset is directly available at our Bitbucket repository: https://bitbucket.org/lpassos/kconfigdb