Comment by array_key_first

We have many, many Linux kernels. Many distros compile their own kernels. You aren't using "the" Linux kernel most likely, you're using your distros Linux kernel. It's just that nobody notices because the kernel has stable interfaces.

Thats also why you can run kernel 6.5 on a version of RHEL from 15 years ago.

By its nature as a community, the Linux community will never converge on a default DE.

The only reason Windows pulls it off is because it's not a community. It's a dictatorship and you're a serf. You use what Microsoft tells you to use.

But, even then, there is divergence. No doubt you've heard of people sticking to 10 even though Microsoft is abandoning it. Some people still use 7, or even XP.