Linux kernel will support $ORIGIN, sort of
A developer collaborated with Linux kernel maintainers to propose a method for supporting $ORIGIN in relocatable binaries, eventually pivoting to an eBPF-based solution. The patch series is expected to be integrated into the kernel's next branch, facilitating more flexible interpreter selection.
Why it matters
This technical improvement enhances the capabilities of the Linux kernel for complex build systems like Nix, Buck, and Bazel.
For some reason, during TacoSprint 2026 I decided to see if we could tackle relocatable binaries in Nix.
I enjoy these lofty goals to push Nix and the surrounding ecosystem forward. I am bold if not stupid .
I left the last earlier post with one potential idea of how to get there:
We could patch the Linux kernel so that $ORIGIN is supported in PT_INTERP and the shebang.
I waded through the complexity of sending patches over email (turns out I actually enjoy this workflow!), and sent a proposal to the Linux kernel mailing list.
My first attempt here proposed simply adding direct support for $ORIGIN in the Virtual File System (VFS) subsystem.
I waited nervously. I was expecting the result from what I had come to read about online; someone non-politely telling me to F$#CK OFF because there is something I missed, misunderstood or did not consider. 🤬
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