[OT] Re: Possible C++ safe header project - Re: [Criticism] On the discussion about C++ modules

From: Marko Kreen (marko@l-t.ee)
Date: Mon Oct 23 2000 - 09:37:03 EST


On Mon, Oct 23, 2000 at 08:47:53AM -0400, Linux Kernel Developer wrote:
> Please comment on the pluses and minuses of each planned task and on
> other things that you may see that should be done. Please no flames unless
> they contain useful information. Also I plan to implement the first patches
> for 2.2.x. I prefer to work on a stable codebase at least while the project
> gets off the ground. The other thing I'd like to know if the eventual
> patch, if there is any as this is dependant on interest, would be considered
> for inclusion into the standard source base.

* The C++ keywords in C headers are the first warning that you
   should _not_ use them with C++.

* This will _not_ be accepted into standard codebase. Don't you
   understand? Making headers C++ compatible is the first tiny
   step for doing modules in C++. Yes, from driver/module
   programmers perspective "they almost look same, and I think
   C++ is cooler" they (C/C++) should be compatible, but from
   kernel core's perspective they are whole different languages.

   (_Please_ do not say at that point that "kernel core is not
   my problem...")

   IF you do not do a whole grue layer for C++ like you should
   for Pascal, ADA, perl, etc... you are better off starting from
   scratch a new C++ kernel...

   Kernel is really tightly depends on C compiler. Look how
   kernel always breaks when new gcc comes out. Not because
   the kernel is buggy or gcc is buggy (both are but bugs get
   fixed) but gcc does new optimizations which are legal by
   C standard, and kernel excpects old optimizations "but it
   always used to do that way". Now when you bring C++ into
   mix, when C++ compilers are much more floating than C compilers,
   then the result is _real mess_.
   
   So when kernel core developers even hint that "yes, C++ is
   allowed, so if you find bugs then come screaming to
   linux-kernel" then they go crazy.

* Real suggestion (well, demand :)
        
        1. Create a mailinglist/webpage for this project.

        2. Stop posting C++ noise on linux-kernel. This
           is OT, and distracts people.
        
        3. Search l-k archives for people hypeing C++
           and ask them if they care to join. Btw in l-k
           are some people who claim to have some code already.
           
           Also I promise if someone in l-k asks for C++
           I direct them to you. (Nicely. (Really!))
           
        4. Document your progress and the obstacles you
           encounter and how you solve them. (So when later
           anyone has bright ideas about C++ he/she can read
           it and forget about it :)
        
        (somehow I doubt you get further)

        5. when linux++ is cooler/faster/etc... then ask for
           inclusion to standard codebase, or even, replace it. :)
           
   
> Let the games begin.

Good luck to you.

-- 
marko

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