How is the Linux kernel tested?

Have you ever wondered how the Linux kernel is tested? How to maintain the quality of an open source project with millions of lines of code developed by thousands of programmers worldwide?

Linux has a development process in place for several years, but there is nothing very formal in the process to help decide when to release a new version. There is no single magical tool to test the kernel against or formal testing plan to ensure that the new kernel version is working properly. The decision to release a new version is really based on the feeling of the Linux benevolent dictator for life, Linus Torvalds.

But that doesn't mean tests are not done on the Linux kernel. Quite the opposite!

I publish a blog post about some tools and techniques used to test the Linux kernel for those interested: