The discontinuation of EndeavourOS ARM is a significant loss, not only for the ARM Linux community but also for the broader open-source ecosystem. The project began in 2019 when a community member known as “Pudge” developed initial scripts to make EndeavourOS compatible with ARM hardware.

This initiative grew into an official ARM branch, showcasing the collaborative nature of open-source projects. As the project expanded, it faced challenges, particularly due to the tough development landscape for ARM compared to x86_64 architectures.

Despite the growing frustration and isolation experienced by Pudge, the decision to discontinue EndeavourOS ARM was ultimately a result of these challenges and Pudge’s shift away from ARM hardware. The discontinuation of EndeavourOS ARM underscores the difficulties faced by open-source projects, especially when dealing with niche areas like ARM Linux distributions.

It also highlights the need for sustained community support and the fragility of such projects. However, the EndeavourOS team has kept the door open for anyone willing to continue the project, offering a glimmer of hope for the future.

Although the end of EndeavourOS ARM is unfortunate, it also presents an opportunity for reflection and renewal within the open-source community. It serves as a reminder of the potential for collaborative efforts and the importance of such collaboration in keeping projects alive.

The loss of EndeavourOS ARM is not just a setback; it also emphasizes the potential of ARM-based Linux distributions and the importance of support in maintaining these projects. It’s a call to action for those who believe in the potential of ARM-based Linux distributions and a reminder of the significance of collaboration in sustaining such projects.