Re: [PATCH v2 3/3] mm: use PF_ONLY_HEAD for PG_active and PG_unevictable

From: Yu Zhao
Date: Tue Mar 02 2021 - 00:12:38 EST


On Mon, Mar 01, 2021 at 02:50:07PM +0300, Kirill A. Shutemov wrote:
> On Fri, Feb 26, 2021 at 12:13:14PM +0000, Matthew Wilcox wrote:
> > On Fri, Feb 26, 2021 at 02:17:18AM -0700, Yu Zhao wrote:
> > > All places but one test, set or clear PG_active and PG_unevictable on
> > > small or head pages. Use compound_head() explicitly for that singleton
> > > so the rest can rid of redundant compound_head().
> >
> > How do you know it's only one place? I really wish you'd work with me
> > on folios. They make the compiler prove that it's not a tail page.
>
> +1 to this.
>
> The problem with compound_head() is systemic and ad-hoc solution to few
> page flags will only complicate the picture.

Well, I call it an incremental improvement, and how exactly does it
complicate the picture?

I see your point: you prefer a complete replacement. But my point is
not about the preference; it's about presenting an option: I'm not
saying we have to go with this series; I'm saying if you don't want
to wait, here is something quick but not perfect.