Linux 6.12 to Optionally Display a QR Code During Kernel Panics

Linux 6.12 is set to introduce optional support for displaying a QR code during kernel panics, enhancing the user experience during such critical failures. This feature, submitted to the DRM-Misc-Next for staging ahead of the upcoming merge window, aims to provide a more user-friendly way to capture error information that is often lost in traditional text-based panic messages. The QR code can encapsulate extensive debugging data, which is particularly useful when kernel panic messages are truncated on the screen. The implementation is written in Rust, requiring the Rust kernel build to be enabled, and is controlled by the DRM_PANIC_SCREEN_QR_CODE Kconfig build switch. Additionally, users can specify a base URL and QR code version to determine the amount of data included. This initiative follows previous discussions about using QR codes for kernel errors and aligns with similar features seen in other operating systems.

- Linux 6.12 will optionally display QR codes during kernel panics.

- The QR code feature aims to improve the capture of debugging information.

- Implementation is done in Rust and requires specific kernel build settings.

- Users can customize the QR code's base URL and version for data output.

- This feature reflects ongoing efforts to enhance user experience during system failures.