Re: devfs again, (was RE: USB device allocation)

Steve Dodd (dirk@loth.demon.co.uk)
Thu, 7 Oct 1999 22:20:42 +0100


On Thu, Oct 07, 1999 at 04:04:14PM -0400, Horst von Brand wrote:
> danielt@digi.com said:

> > 90% of the objections to having devfs in the kernel
> > are easily solved with "well don't use it then".
>
> Wrong. Having devfs in the kernel has an impact on _all_ devices, if they
> use it or not. Giving the option has even more impact here than just
> forcing it one way or the other.

OK, I've not actually looked at devfs yet, but: would it be possible to come
up with a set of mods to the current device drivers that could then be used
by devfs *or* any other future solution to /dev-related problems? And that
still worked with a traditional /dev without significant overhead or impact?

The device driver changes could then go into the mainstream kernel, and the
various /dev options could be distributed separately while they are evaluated.
Whatever "wins" (i.e. persuades Linus) could then go in to his tree.

-- 
"I decry the current tendency to seek patents on algorithms.  There are
better ways to earn a living than to prevent other people from making use of
one's contributions to computer science."  -- Donald E. Knuth, TAoCP vol 3

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