Chapter 1: Understanding the Need for systemd

In this first chapter, we'll first briefly look at the history of Linux init systems. We'll then look at the shortcomings of the legacy init systems and why certain Linux engineers felt the need to develop a new type of init system. Finally, we'll look at the controversy that has surrounded systemd. For easy reference, here's a list of the topics:

• The history of Linux init systems
• The shortcomings of SysV init and upstart
• The advantages of systemd
• The systemd controversy

So, with the introductory comments out of the way, let's jump in.