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SubjectRe: [PATCH] sched.h: increment TASK_COMM_LEN to 20 bytes
--- Jeff Garzik <jeff@garzik.org> wrote:
> Your patch increases the size of a key data structure -- task struct --
> for all users on all platforms, even when there are _no_ users currently
> in the kernel.
>
> It is thus wasted space, for all users on all platforms.
>
> Linux development doesn't work like this. We don't know the future,
> until it happens.

:-) I love your logic... Can I quote you on this?

Your thinking: "We don't know the future, until it happens",
leaves you unprepared for that future when it actually happens.

> Thus, this patch is appropriate when there are real users in the kernel,
> and not before.

Impeccable logic, wouldn't you say?

How would you know that there will _not_ be any users unless you
give them the opportunity to use it?

Your logic is not only the chicken-and-the-egg problem but is also
the classical example in political history:
Since there are no current users of "facility X", don't give
it to the people.

How would you know? How? When it is not available in the first place?

I know subsystems' developers go through _great_ strives to keep
the kernel thread names to fit 15+1 chars.* This is why you don't
see any "users".

If TASK_COMM_LEN _were_ 19+1 chars, I bet you users of that facility
will spring up.

Luben

* At least that was the case for me 6 years ago when developing iSCSI
code... Those iSCSI threads can certainly make use of something larger
than 15+1 chars. And it's not only iSCSI. You have to keep an
_open mind_ to the future.

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