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    SubjectRe: Migrating to larger numbers
    On Tue, Jun 08, 1999 at 12:16:40PM +0200, Pavel Machek wrote:
    > Hi!
    >
    > hpa (?) is '> >'.
    >
    > > > You have the completely wrong idea what a device driver is! XF86_SVGA
    > > > is a device driver! gpm is a device driver (mouse driver.)
    > > > magicfilter/ghostscript is a device driver (printer driver.) Neither
    > > > belong in the kernel.
    >
    > Actually, gpm is probably going to be trashed and replaced with kernel
    > approach (because in-kernel input drivers mean better sharing
    > etc.). XF86_SVGA already has its fbcon counterparts (like
    > creatorfb).

    This is a side issue I'd like to discuss.

    Kernel side abstraction of mouse drivers is painful. It encourages
    user space applications that take over the entire device, and this
    prevents applications from sharing a device.

    The perfect example is /dev/dsp. Because the interface was "fairly
    good" applications chose to open(2) it. So your desktop could make
    noises, but you had to kill your desktop to play an mp3.

    This has led to the current mess with your choice of ESD, OSS, and
    ALSALIB as the sound API. If applications had used the theoretical
    libsound.so from the start, there wouldn't be this problem.

    If the kernel approach results in a "fairly good" /dev/mouse, then
    I can already see applications which say "you may need to kill the
    X server, and gpm, and ... etc, before using this application".

    Now perhaps the mouse is special because it is used by the console
    but I am concerned that a good /dev/mouse interface will result in
    a repeat of the sound fiasco.

    --
    Nathan Hand - Chirp Web Design - http://www.chirp.com.au/ - $e^{i\pi}+1 = 0$
    Phone: +61 2 6230 1871 Fax: +61 2 6230 4455 E-mail: nathanh@chirp.com.au

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