Since your context is embedded Linux, I would recommend following Raspbian development for general purpose SBC embedded Linux or OpenWRT for smaller, more specialized devices.
Both systems have code bases and build systems that will build root filesystem and kernels for a wide range of devices.
By following development of a device (aka target) that interests you, you will see how drivers are stabilized with various patches applied over time.
Both systems have code bases and build systems that will build root filesystem and kernels for a wide range of devices.
By following development of a device (aka target) that interests you, you will see how drivers are stabilized with various patches applied over time.