See also ...
systemd, a suite of system components for Linux, whose name is inspired by System D.
> Because it's a system daemon, and under Unix/Linux those are in lower case, and get suffixed with a lower case d. And since systemd manages the system, it's called systemd.
> Système D is not an acceptable spelling and something completely different (though kinda fitting).
Wikipedia says that it somehow relates to Systeme D, but they don't have any good references for it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systemd#cite_note-control-cent...
which eventually leads to https://web.archive.org/web/20130114034246/http://0pointer.d...
System D [in French, Système D] is a shorthand term that refers back to the French word débrouillard[1]. The verb se débrouiller means "to untangle." [...]
That sounds just about perfect to be honest "untangling the boot process" - yes please.
so the name wasn't directly inspired by System D, but the relationship was noted and approved of.
So, really nothing do with Poettering et al.
> I hope that I managed to explain in the text above why we came up with something new, instead of building on Upstart or launchd.
That, and another dozen mentions of launchd whenever it talks about socket and bus activation, strongly suggests to me that the “d” would be for daemon, just like in launchd.
> Yes, it is written systemd, not system D or System D, or even SystemD. And it isn't system d either. Why? Because it's a system daemon, and under Unix/Linux those are in lower case, and get suffixed with a lower case d. And since systemd manages the system, it's called systemd. It's that simple. But then again, if all that appears too simple to you, call it (but never spell it!) System Five Hundred since D is the roman numeral for 500 (this also clarifies the relation to System V, right?). The only situation where we find it OK to use an uppercase letter in the name (but don't like it either) is if you start a sentence with systemd. On high holidays you may also spell it sÿstëmd. But then again, Système D is not an acceptable spelling and something completely different
Definitely a reference to being a daemon.