Re: [PATCH] tracing: Add new_exec tracepoint

From: Steven Rostedt
Date: Tue Apr 09 2024 - 10:31:47 EST


On Mon, 8 Apr 2024 11:01:54 +0200
Marco Elver <elver@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Add "new_exec" tracepoint, which is run right after the point of no
> return but before the current task assumes its new exec identity.
>
> Unlike the tracepoint "sched_process_exec", the "new_exec" tracepoint
> runs before flushing the old exec, i.e. while the task still has the
> original state (such as original MM), but when the new exec either
> succeeds or crashes (but never returns to the original exec).
>
> Being able to trace this event can be helpful in a number of use cases:
>
> * allowing tracing eBPF programs access to the original MM on exec,
> before current->mm is replaced;
> * counting exec in the original task (via perf event);
> * profiling flush time ("new_exec" to "sched_process_exec").
>
> Example of tracing output ("new_exec" and "sched_process_exec"):

How common is this? And can't you just do the same with adding a kprobe?

-- Steve