[scarmig]

Original architectural decisions can constrain and push development in a certain direction. An analogy might be made to evolution: one's phylogeny constrains the space of available organisms available in a given timespan.

5% might not sound like much, but I'd want something comparative. How much code in the 3.8 kernel is shared with what Linus released in 1991? I suspect it's similarly low, but we still recognize them as the same project.

[jacques_chester]

I propose that we sail away from this debate in the ship of Theseus.

[scarmig]

The reference prompted me to curse Google for not giving me any good results to "how long does it take for 50% of the atoms in your body to be replaced."