The main reason there are no raw devices is that I personally think that raw devices are a stupid idea

The main reason there are no raw devices is that I personally think that raw devices are a stupid idea

Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux operating system, is known for his strong opinions and no-nonsense approach to technology. When it comes to the concept of raw devices, Torvalds has made it clear that he believes they are a "stupid idea." But why does he hold this view, and what implications does it have for the world of technology?

Raw devices, in the context of computer systems, refer to storage devices that are accessed directly without any file system or operating system intervention. This means that data is written and read from the device at a low level, bypassing any abstraction layers that may be in place. While this may seem like a way to achieve maximum performance, Torvalds argues that the risks and complexities associated with raw devices far outweigh any potential benefits.

One of the main reasons Torvalds is against raw devices is the potential for data corruption and loss. Without the safeguards provided by a file system, there is a higher risk of accidental data overwrites, corruption due to power failures, and other issues that can lead to data loss. In a world where data is increasingly valuable and critical to operations, the idea of exposing it directly to potential risks is something that Torvalds finds unacceptable.

Furthermore, Torvalds believes that the benefits of raw devices in terms of performance are often overstated. While it is true that bypassing the file system can lead to faster data access, the difference in speed is often negligible in real-world scenarios. Modern file systems are highly optimized and efficient, and the performance gains from using raw devices are often minimal compared to the added complexity and risk.