Explore the evolution and future of real-time capabilities in the Linux kernel through this comprehensive conference talk from the Linux Plumbers Conference. Dive into the history of the PREEMPT_RT project, which has been working since 2004 to transform Linux into a hard real-time operating system. Learn about the gradual integration of PREEMPT_RT components into the mainline kernel, including mutexes, high-resolution timers, and threaded interrupt handlers. Discover the final steps needed to complete the merger and the challenges that lie ahead once PREEMPT_RT is fully integrated. Gain insights into various real-time topics such as pthreads, condition variables, use cases, live RTP, expected behavior, LD preload, reader locks, fuzzy system calls, application indirection, trace points, and EVPs. Understand the importance of data analysis in real-time systems and explore future work in this critical area of kernel development.