"Polkit (formerly PolicyKit) is a component for controlling system-wide privileges in Unix-like operating systems."
Calling it the sudo for UIs seems reasonable. It lets you manage the permission level of the UI you're using.
Does it do something else?
Re:Systemd v228 local root exploit
by lordlimecat on Tuesday January 24, 2017 @08:31AM
(#13471132)
Youre being too generous. GP's statement was,
"Did you know that polkit, the systemd replacement of sudo,"
He calls it a replacement of sudo which is is definitely not.
Uh, so, systemd don't recommend to use `sudo systemctl start blah`. Their idea is to use `systemctl start blah` and have polkit handle the authentication. Not sure what's unclear here.
The difference is that with `sudo systemctl ...` systemctl is run as root, but with PolicyKit only parts are. And if I understand it correctly PolicyKit allows more fine grained control over permissions than sudo.
I honestly do not understand how you can feel comfortable making judgement calls about projects when you cannot even accurately state their function.