Re: [PATCH] doc: process: clarify scope of applying-patches as legacy reference
From: Randy Dunlap
Date: Wed Nov 04 2026 - 13:33:08 EST
On 11/4/26 5:53 AM, AleSZLucero via B4 Relay wrote:
> From: AleSZLucero <aleszlucero@xxxxxxxxx>
>
> The applying-patches.rst document describes the manual manipulation of
> source trees using the traditional 'patch' and 'diff' utilities. While
> technically accurate for non-Git or constrained environments, it can
> create friction for new contributors seeking the primary Git-based
> workflows.
>
> Update the opening note to explicitly state that this document serves
> as a reference for legacy or constrained workflows. Provide direct
> cross-references to submitting-patches.rst and howto.rst to steer
> contributors toward the standard Git infrastructure.
>
> Signed-off-by: AleSZLucero <aleszlucero@xxxxxxxxx>
> ---
> Documentation/process/applying-patches.rst | 11 +++++++++--
> 1 file changed, 9 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)
>
> diff --git a/Documentation/process/applying-patches.rst b/Documentation/process/applying-patches.rst
> index c269f5e1a0a3..74af6d8a2249 100644
> --- a/Documentation/process/applying-patches.rst
> +++ b/Documentation/process/applying-patches.rst
> @@ -8,8 +8,15 @@ Original by:
>
> .. note::
>
> - This document is obsolete. In most cases, rather than using ``patch``
> - manually, you'll almost certainly want to look at using Git instead.
> + This document focuses on the legacy method of manually manipulating source
> + trees using the traditional ``patch`` and ``diff`` utilities.
> +
> + For the standard Git-based workflow used in current development, including
> + how to format, apply, and send patches via Git, please refer to
> + :ref:`submitting_patches` and :ref:`howto`.
> +
> + The information below is maintained as a reference for constrained
> + environments or legacy workflows where Git infrastructure is unavailable.
>
> A frequently asked question on the Linux Kernel Mailing List is how to apply
> a patch to the kernel or, more specifically, what base kernel a patch for
Please test your patches:
Documentation/process/applying-patches.rst:14: WARNING: undefined label: 'submitting_patches' [ref.ref]
Documentation/process/applying-patches.rst:14: WARNING: undefined label: 'howto' [ref.ref]
Additionally, instead of using :ref:s like that, just use the file name
and our automarkup will DTRT (do the right thing) with it.
--
~Randy