Messages in this thread | | | Subject | Re: Definitions | Date | Wed, 9 Aug 2000 19:51:46 +0100 (BST) | From | Alan Cox <> |
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I dont think there is a simple answer
Clear bug fixes
o if I do this it crashes the kernel. This patch stops it o if I do this it violates the standard
Clearly new stuff
o New file system o Rewriting the VM o Adding all the flash device support
Now of the new there are three categories:
1. A driver or file system or protocol stack using existing interfaces that makes no change to the rest of the kernel. If turning the module otpion off gives a kernel that has no changes then this is good.
These kind of things can be added almost any time as they dont impact stability for anyone else and a bad driver is generally better than no support
2. Stuff that tweaks internals a bit (extreme case rewriting the VM). You get it wrong and everyone gets crashes. Has to be done with care well tested and preferably earlier in the cycle
3. Changing the interfaces themselves and breaking all drivers or all file systems. This should be done early. Some of Al Viro's stuff was late (but probably wise in the long term) and this caused a fair bit of friction
Alan
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