Messages in this thread | | | Date | Thu, 24 Aug 2006 22:08:20 -0400 | From | "Xin Zhao" <> | Subject | Why generic_fillattr() is not protected with a lock? |
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Hi,
I noticed that almost all local disk file systems use the default vfs_getattr()->generic_fillattr() to get file attributes. However, vfs_getattr()->generic_fillattr() is not protected by a lock. Is this problematic?
Suppose process A is getting file attributes, after it read the "mtime" and before it read the i_size, the process is scheduled out, and another process B cuts in, change the file, and cause the change on file size. After A is switched back, it goes ahead to read the rest fields. Now it will have an old "mtime" but a new "i_size".
Is this scenario possible? If so, will this cause serious problem to the file system?
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