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authorLinus Torvalds <torvalds@linux-foundation.org>2011-03-27 22:46:59 -0400
committerLinus Torvalds <torvalds@linux-foundation.org>2011-03-27 22:46:59 -0400
commit93567c43eb2a4771b9c590435928f9b3a428e568 (patch)
tree67879e1e1b597d5557a8a7798d22a1dab6b92d01 /Documentation
parent1680a013b4ef5c5a6aea239d08042652ea65e759 (diff)
parent5c050fb96380a87a85aad9084b68fdcd2b84c193 (diff)
Merge branch 'docs-next' of git://git.lwn.net/linux-2.6
* 'docs-next' of git://git.lwn.net/linux-2.6: docs: update the development process document docs: fix dev_debug() braino in dynamic-debug-howto.txt
Diffstat (limited to 'Documentation')
-rw-r--r--Documentation/development-process/1.Intro18
-rw-r--r--Documentation/development-process/2.Process177
-rw-r--r--Documentation/development-process/3.Early-stage31
-rw-r--r--Documentation/development-process/4.Coding21
-rw-r--r--Documentation/development-process/5.Posting28
-rw-r--r--Documentation/development-process/6.Followthrough16
-rw-r--r--Documentation/development-process/7.AdvancedTopics4
-rw-r--r--Documentation/dynamic-debug-howto.txt4
8 files changed, 169 insertions, 130 deletions
diff --git a/Documentation/development-process/1.Intro b/Documentation/development-process/1.Intro
index 8cc2cba2b10d..9b614480aa84 100644
--- a/Documentation/development-process/1.Intro
+++ b/Documentation/development-process/1.Intro
@@ -56,13 +56,13 @@ information on kernel development.
56 56
571.2: WHAT THIS DOCUMENT IS ABOUT 571.2: WHAT THIS DOCUMENT IS ABOUT
58 58
59The Linux kernel, at over 6 million lines of code and well over 1000 active 59The Linux kernel, at over 8 million lines of code and well over 1000
60contributors, is one of the largest and most active free software projects 60contributors to each release, is one of the largest and most active free
61in existence. Since its humble beginning in 1991, this kernel has evolved 61software projects in existence. Since its humble beginning in 1991, this
62into a best-of-breed operating system component which runs on pocket-sized 62kernel has evolved into a best-of-breed operating system component which
63digital music players, desktop PCs, the largest supercomputers in 63runs on pocket-sized digital music players, desktop PCs, the largest
64existence, and all types of systems in between. It is a robust, efficient, 64supercomputers in existence, and all types of systems in between. It is a
65and scalable solution for almost any situation. 65robust, efficient, and scalable solution for almost any situation.
66 66
67With the growth of Linux has come an increase in the number of developers 67With the growth of Linux has come an increase in the number of developers
68(and companies) wishing to participate in its development. Hardware 68(and companies) wishing to participate in its development. Hardware
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ This document was written by Jonathan Corbet, corbet@lwn.net. It has been
115improved by comments from Johannes Berg, James Berry, Alex Chiang, Roland 115improved by comments from Johannes Berg, James Berry, Alex Chiang, Roland
116Dreier, Randy Dunlap, Jake Edge, Jiri Kosina, Matt Mackall, Arthur Marsh, 116Dreier, Randy Dunlap, Jake Edge, Jiri Kosina, Matt Mackall, Arthur Marsh,
117Amanda McPherson, Andrew Morton, Andrew Price, Tsugikazu Shibata, and 117Amanda McPherson, Andrew Morton, Andrew Price, Tsugikazu Shibata, and
118Jochen Voß. 118Jochen Voß.
119 119
120This work was supported by the Linux Foundation; thanks especially to 120This work was supported by the Linux Foundation; thanks especially to
121Amanda McPherson, who saw the value of this effort and made it all happen. 121Amanda McPherson, who saw the value of this effort and made it all happen.
@@ -221,7 +221,7 @@ include:
221- Everything that was said above about code review applies doubly to 221- Everything that was said above about code review applies doubly to
222 closed-source code. Since this code is not available at all, it cannot 222 closed-source code. Since this code is not available at all, it cannot
223 have been reviewed by the community and will, beyond doubt, have serious 223 have been reviewed by the community and will, beyond doubt, have serious
224 problems. 224 problems.
225 225
226Makers of embedded systems, in particular, may be tempted to disregard much 226Makers of embedded systems, in particular, may be tempted to disregard much
227of what has been said in this section in the belief that they are shipping 227of what has been said in this section in the belief that they are shipping
diff --git a/Documentation/development-process/2.Process b/Documentation/development-process/2.Process
index 911a45186340..4823577c6509 100644
--- a/Documentation/development-process/2.Process
+++ b/Documentation/development-process/2.Process
@@ -14,16 +14,15 @@ The kernel developers use a loosely time-based release process, with a new
14major kernel release happening every two or three months. The recent 14major kernel release happening every two or three months. The recent
15release history looks like this: 15release history looks like this:
16 16
17 2.6.26 July 13, 2008 17 2.6.38 March 14, 2011
18 2.6.25 April 16, 2008 18 2.6.37 January 4, 2011
19 2.6.24 January 24, 2008 19 2.6.36 October 20, 2010
20 2.6.23 October 9, 2007 20 2.6.35 August 1, 2010
21 2.6.22 July 8, 2007 21 2.6.34 May 15, 2010
22 2.6.21 April 25, 2007 22 2.6.33 February 24, 2010
23 2.6.20 February 4, 2007
24 23
25Every 2.6.x release is a major kernel release with new features, internal 24Every 2.6.x release is a major kernel release with new features, internal
26API changes, and more. A typical 2.6 release can contain over 10,000 25API changes, and more. A typical 2.6 release can contain nearly 10,000
27changesets with changes to several hundred thousand lines of code. 2.6 is 26changesets with changes to several hundred thousand lines of code. 2.6 is
28thus the leading edge of Linux kernel development; the kernel uses a 27thus the leading edge of Linux kernel development; the kernel uses a
29rolling development model which is continually integrating major changes. 28rolling development model which is continually integrating major changes.
@@ -42,13 +41,13 @@ merge window do not come out of thin air; they have been collected, tested,
42and staged ahead of time. How that process works will be described in 41and staged ahead of time. How that process works will be described in
43detail later on). 42detail later on).
44 43
45The merge window lasts for two weeks. At the end of this time, Linus 44The merge window lasts for approximately two weeks. At the end of this
46Torvalds will declare that the window is closed and release the first of 45time, Linus Torvalds will declare that the window is closed and release the
47the "rc" kernels. For the kernel which is destined to be 2.6.26, for 46first of the "rc" kernels. For the kernel which is destined to be 2.6.40,
48example, the release which happens at the end of the merge window will be 47for example, the release which happens at the end of the merge window will
49called 2.6.26-rc1. The -rc1 release is the signal that the time to merge 48be called 2.6.40-rc1. The -rc1 release is the signal that the time to
50new features has passed, and that the time to stabilize the next kernel has 49merge new features has passed, and that the time to stabilize the next
51begun. 50kernel has begun.
52 51
53Over the next six to ten weeks, only patches which fix problems should be 52Over the next six to ten weeks, only patches which fix problems should be
54submitted to the mainline. On occasion a more significant change will be 53submitted to the mainline. On occasion a more significant change will be
@@ -66,20 +65,19 @@ will get up to somewhere between -rc6 and -rc9 before the kernel is
66considered to be sufficiently stable and the final 2.6.x release is made. 65considered to be sufficiently stable and the final 2.6.x release is made.
67At that point the whole process starts over again. 66At that point the whole process starts over again.
68 67
69As an example, here is how the 2.6.25 development cycle went (all dates in 68As an example, here is how the 2.6.38 development cycle went (all dates in
702008): 692011):
71 70
72 January 24 2.6.24 stable release 71 January 4 2.6.37 stable release
73 February 10 2.6.25-rc1, merge window closes 72 January 18 2.6.38-rc1, merge window closes
74 February 15 2.6.25-rc2 73 January 21 2.6.38-rc2
75 February 24 2.6.25-rc3 74 February 1 2.6.38-rc3
76 March 4 2.6.25-rc4 75 February 7 2.6.38-rc4
77 March 9 2.6.25-rc5 76 February 15 2.6.38-rc5
78 March 16 2.6.25-rc6 77 February 21 2.6.38-rc6
79 March 25 2.6.25-rc7 78 March 1 2.6.38-rc7
80 April 1 2.6.25-rc8 79 March 7 2.6.38-rc8
81 April 11 2.6.25-rc9 80 March 14 2.6.38 stable release
82 April 16 2.6.25 stable release
83 81
84How do the developers decide when to close the development cycle and create 82How do the developers decide when to close the development cycle and create
85the stable release? The most significant metric used is the list of 83the stable release? The most significant metric used is the list of
@@ -87,7 +85,7 @@ regressions from previous releases. No bugs are welcome, but those which
87break systems which worked in the past are considered to be especially 85break systems which worked in the past are considered to be especially
88serious. For this reason, patches which cause regressions are looked upon 86serious. For this reason, patches which cause regressions are looked upon
89unfavorably and are quite likely to be reverted during the stabilization 87unfavorably and are quite likely to be reverted during the stabilization
90period. 88period.
91 89
92The developers' goal is to fix all known regressions before the stable 90The developers' goal is to fix all known regressions before the stable
93release is made. In the real world, this kind of perfection is hard to 91release is made. In the real world, this kind of perfection is hard to
@@ -99,26 +97,34 @@ kernels go out with a handful of known regressions though, hopefully, none
99of them are serious. 97of them are serious.
100 98
101Once a stable release is made, its ongoing maintenance is passed off to the 99Once a stable release is made, its ongoing maintenance is passed off to the
102"stable team," currently comprised of Greg Kroah-Hartman and Chris Wright. 100"stable team," currently consisting of Greg Kroah-Hartman. The stable team
103The stable team will release occasional updates to the stable release using 101will release occasional updates to the stable release using the 2.6.x.y
104the 2.6.x.y numbering scheme. To be considered for an update release, a 102numbering scheme. To be considered for an update release, a patch must (1)
105patch must (1) fix a significant bug, and (2) already be merged into the 103fix a significant bug, and (2) already be merged into the mainline for the
106mainline for the next development kernel. Continuing our 2.6.25 example, 104next development kernel. Kernels will typically receive stable updates for
107the history (as of this writing) is: 105a little more than one development cycle past their initial release. So,
108 106for example, the 2.6.36 kernel's history looked like:
109 May 1 2.6.25.1 107
110 May 6 2.6.25.2 108 October 10 2.6.36 stable release
111 May 9 2.6.25.3 109 November 22 2.6.36.1
112 May 15 2.6.25.4 110 December 9 2.6.36.2
113 June 7 2.6.25.5 111 January 7 2.6.36.3
114 June 9 2.6.25.6 112 February 17 2.6.36.4
115 June 16 2.6.25.7 113
116 June 21 2.6.25.8 1142.6.36.4 was the final stable update for the 2.6.36 release.
117 June 24 2.6.25.9 115
118 116Some kernels are designated "long term" kernels; they will receive support
119Stable updates for a given kernel are made for approximately six months; 117for a longer period. As of this writing, the current long term kernels
120after that, the maintenance of stable releases is solely the responsibility 118and their maintainers are:
121of the distributors which have shipped that particular kernel. 119
120 2.6.27 Willy Tarreau (Deep-frozen stable kernel)
121 2.6.32 Greg Kroah-Hartman
122 2.6.35 Andi Kleen (Embedded flag kernel)
123
124The selection of a kernel for long-term support is purely a matter of a
125maintainer having the need and the time to maintain that release. There
126are no known plans for long-term support for any specific upcoming
127release.
122 128
123 129
1242.2: THE LIFECYCLE OF A PATCH 1302.2: THE LIFECYCLE OF A PATCH
@@ -130,7 +136,7 @@ each patch implements a change which is desirable to have in the mainline.
130This process can happen quickly for minor fixes, or, in the case of large 136This process can happen quickly for minor fixes, or, in the case of large
131and controversial changes, go on for years. Much developer frustration 137and controversial changes, go on for years. Much developer frustration
132comes from a lack of understanding of this process or from attempts to 138comes from a lack of understanding of this process or from attempts to
133circumvent it. 139circumvent it.
134 140
135In the hopes of reducing that frustration, this document will describe how 141In the hopes of reducing that frustration, this document will describe how
136a patch gets into the kernel. What follows below is an introduction which 142a patch gets into the kernel. What follows below is an introduction which
@@ -193,8 +199,8 @@ involved.
1932.3: HOW PATCHES GET INTO THE KERNEL 1992.3: HOW PATCHES GET INTO THE KERNEL
194 200
195There is exactly one person who can merge patches into the mainline kernel 201There is exactly one person who can merge patches into the mainline kernel
196repository: Linus Torvalds. But, of the over 12,000 patches which went 202repository: Linus Torvalds. But, of the over 9,500 patches which went
197into the 2.6.25 kernel, only 250 (around 2%) were directly chosen by Linus 203into the 2.6.38 kernel, only 112 (around 1.3%) were directly chosen by Linus
198himself. The kernel project has long since grown to a size where no single 204himself. The kernel project has long since grown to a size where no single
199developer could possibly inspect and select every patch unassisted. The 205developer could possibly inspect and select every patch unassisted. The
200way the kernel developers have addressed this growth is through the use of 206way the kernel developers have addressed this growth is through the use of
@@ -229,7 +235,7 @@ first in trees dedicated to network device drivers, wireless networking,
229etc. This chain of repositories can be arbitrarily long, though it rarely 235etc. This chain of repositories can be arbitrarily long, though it rarely
230exceeds two or three links. Since each maintainer in the chain trusts 236exceeds two or three links. Since each maintainer in the chain trusts
231those managing lower-level trees, this process is known as the "chain of 237those managing lower-level trees, this process is known as the "chain of
232trust." 238trust."
233 239
234Clearly, in a system like this, getting patches into the kernel depends on 240Clearly, in a system like this, getting patches into the kernel depends on
235finding the right maintainer. Sending patches directly to Linus is not 241finding the right maintainer. Sending patches directly to Linus is not
@@ -254,7 +260,7 @@ The answer comes in the form of -next trees, where subsystem trees are
254collected for testing and review. The older of these trees, maintained by 260collected for testing and review. The older of these trees, maintained by
255Andrew Morton, is called "-mm" (for memory management, which is how it got 261Andrew Morton, is called "-mm" (for memory management, which is how it got
256started). The -mm tree integrates patches from a long list of subsystem 262started). The -mm tree integrates patches from a long list of subsystem
257trees; it also has some patches aimed at helping with debugging. 263trees; it also has some patches aimed at helping with debugging.
258 264
259Beyond that, -mm contains a significant collection of patches which have 265Beyond that, -mm contains a significant collection of patches which have
260been selected by Andrew directly. These patches may have been posted on a 266been selected by Andrew directly. These patches may have been posted on a
@@ -264,8 +270,8 @@ subsystem tree of last resort; if there is no other obvious path for a
264patch into the mainline, it is likely to end up in -mm. Miscellaneous 270patch into the mainline, it is likely to end up in -mm. Miscellaneous
265patches which accumulate in -mm will eventually either be forwarded on to 271patches which accumulate in -mm will eventually either be forwarded on to
266an appropriate subsystem tree or be sent directly to Linus. In a typical 272an appropriate subsystem tree or be sent directly to Linus. In a typical
267development cycle, approximately 10% of the patches going into the mainline 273development cycle, approximately 5-10% of the patches going into the
268get there via -mm. 274mainline get there via -mm.
269 275
270The current -mm patch is available in the "mmotm" (-mm of the moment) 276The current -mm patch is available in the "mmotm" (-mm of the moment)
271directory at: 277directory at:
@@ -275,7 +281,7 @@ directory at:
275Use of the MMOTM tree is likely to be a frustrating experience, though; 281Use of the MMOTM tree is likely to be a frustrating experience, though;
276there is a definite chance that it will not even compile. 282there is a definite chance that it will not even compile.
277 283
278The other -next tree, started more recently, is linux-next, maintained by 284The primary tree for next-cycle patch merging is linux-next, maintained by
279Stephen Rothwell. The linux-next tree is, by design, a snapshot of what 285Stephen Rothwell. The linux-next tree is, by design, a snapshot of what
280the mainline is expected to look like after the next merge window closes. 286the mainline is expected to look like after the next merge window closes.
281Linux-next trees are announced on the linux-kernel and linux-next mailing 287Linux-next trees are announced on the linux-kernel and linux-next mailing
@@ -287,25 +293,14 @@ Some information about linux-next has been gathered at:
287 293
288 http://linux.f-seidel.de/linux-next/pmwiki/ 294 http://linux.f-seidel.de/linux-next/pmwiki/
289 295
290How the linux-next tree will fit into the development process is still 296Linux-next has become an integral part of the kernel development process;
291changing. As of this writing, the first full development cycle involving 297all patches merged during a given merge window should really have found
292linux-next (2.6.26) is coming to an end; thus far, it has proved to be a 298their way into linux-next some time before the merge window opens.
293valuable resource for finding and fixing integration problems before the 299
294beginning of the merge window. See http://lwn.net/Articles/287155/ for
295more information on how linux-next has worked to set up the 2.6.27 merge
296window.
297
298Some developers have begun to suggest that linux-next should be used as the
299target for future development as well. The linux-next tree does tend to be
300far ahead of the mainline and is more representative of the tree into which
301any new work will be merged. The downside to this idea is that the
302volatility of linux-next tends to make it a difficult development target.
303See http://lwn.net/Articles/289013/ for more information on this topic, and
304stay tuned; much is still in flux where linux-next is involved.
305 300
3062.4.1: STAGING TREES 3012.4.1: STAGING TREES
307 302
308The kernel source tree now contains the drivers/staging/ directory, where 303The kernel source tree contains the drivers/staging/ directory, where
309many sub-directories for drivers or filesystems that are on their way to 304many sub-directories for drivers or filesystems that are on their way to
310being added to the kernel tree live. They remain in drivers/staging while 305being added to the kernel tree live. They remain in drivers/staging while
311they still need more work; once complete, they can be moved into the 306they still need more work; once complete, they can be moved into the
@@ -313,15 +308,23 @@ kernel proper. This is a way to keep track of drivers that aren't
313up to Linux kernel coding or quality standards, but people may want to use 308up to Linux kernel coding or quality standards, but people may want to use
314them and track development. 309them and track development.
315 310
316Greg Kroah-Hartman currently (as of 2.6.36) maintains the staging tree. 311Greg Kroah-Hartman currently maintains the staging tree. Drivers that
317Drivers that still need work are sent to him, with each driver having 312still need work are sent to him, with each driver having its own
318its own subdirectory in drivers/staging/. Along with the driver source 313subdirectory in drivers/staging/. Along with the driver source files, a
319files, a TODO file should be present in the directory as well. The TODO 314TODO file should be present in the directory as well. The TODO file lists
320file lists the pending work that the driver needs for acceptance into 315the pending work that the driver needs for acceptance into the kernel
321the kernel proper, as well as a list of people that should be Cc'd for any 316proper, as well as a list of people that should be Cc'd for any patches to
322patches to the driver. Staging drivers that don't currently build should 317the driver. Current rules require that drivers contributed to staging
323have their config entries depend upon CONFIG_BROKEN. Once they can 318must, at a minimum, compile properly.
324be successfully built without outside patches, CONFIG_BROKEN can be removed. 319
320Staging can be a relatively easy way to get new drivers into the mainline
321where, with luck, they will come to the attention of other developers and
322improve quickly. Entry into staging is not the end of the story, though;
323code in staging which is not seeing regular progress will eventually be
324removed. Distributors also tend to be relatively reluctant to enable
325staging drivers. So staging is, at best, a stop on the way toward becoming
326a proper mainline driver.
327
325 328
3262.5: TOOLS 3292.5: TOOLS
327 330
@@ -347,11 +350,7 @@ page at:
347 350
348 http://git-scm.com/ 351 http://git-scm.com/
349 352
350That page has pointers to documentation and tutorials. One should be 353That page has pointers to documentation and tutorials.
351aware, in particular, of the Kernel Hacker's Guide to git, which has
352information specific to kernel development:
353
354 http://linux.yyz.us/git-howto.html
355 354
356Among the kernel developers who do not use git, the most popular choice is 355Among the kernel developers who do not use git, the most popular choice is
357almost certainly Mercurial: 356almost certainly Mercurial:
@@ -408,7 +407,7 @@ There are a few hints which can help with linux-kernel survival:
408 important to filter on both the topic of interest (though note that 407 important to filter on both the topic of interest (though note that
409 long-running conversations can drift away from the original subject 408 long-running conversations can drift away from the original subject
410 without changing the email subject line) and the people who are 409 without changing the email subject line) and the people who are
411 participating. 410 participating.
412 411
413- Do not feed the trolls. If somebody is trying to stir up an angry 412- Do not feed the trolls. If somebody is trying to stir up an angry
414 response, ignore them. 413 response, ignore them.
diff --git a/Documentation/development-process/3.Early-stage b/Documentation/development-process/3.Early-stage
index 307a159a70ca..f87ba7b3fbac 100644
--- a/Documentation/development-process/3.Early-stage
+++ b/Documentation/development-process/3.Early-stage
@@ -110,8 +110,8 @@ the kernel community's standards. Some examples include:
110 110
111 - The AppArmor security module made use of internal virtual filesystem 111 - The AppArmor security module made use of internal virtual filesystem
112 data structures in ways which were considered to be unsafe and 112 data structures in ways which were considered to be unsafe and
113 unreliable. This code has since been significantly reworked, but 113 unreliable. This concern (among others) kept AppArmor out of the
114 remains outside of the mainline. 114 mainline for years.
115 115
116In each of these cases, a great deal of pain and extra work could have been 116In each of these cases, a great deal of pain and extra work could have been
117avoided with some early discussion with the kernel developers. 117avoided with some early discussion with the kernel developers.
@@ -138,6 +138,19 @@ patches, and who, if anybody, is attaching Signed-off-by lines to those
138patches. Those are the people who will be best placed to help with a new 138patches. Those are the people who will be best placed to help with a new
139development project. 139development project.
140 140
141The task of finding the right maintainer is sometimes challenging enough
142that the kernel developers have added a script to ease the process:
143
144 .../scripts/get_maintainer.pl
145
146This script will return the current maintainer(s) for a given file or
147directory when given the "-f" option. If passed a patch on the
148command line, it will list the maintainers who should probably receive
149copies of the patch. There are a number of options regulating how hard
150get_maintainer.pl will search for maintainers; please be careful about
151using the more aggressive options as you may end up including developers
152who have no real interest in the code you are modifying.
153
141If all else fails, talking to Andrew Morton can be an effective way to 154If all else fails, talking to Andrew Morton can be an effective way to
142track down a maintainer for a specific piece of code. 155track down a maintainer for a specific piece of code.
143 156
@@ -155,11 +168,15 @@ reaction, but, instead, little or no reaction at all. The sad truth of the
155matter is (1) kernel developers tend to be busy, (2) there is no shortage 168matter is (1) kernel developers tend to be busy, (2) there is no shortage
156of people with grand plans and little code (or even prospect of code) to 169of people with grand plans and little code (or even prospect of code) to
157back them up, and (3) nobody is obligated to review or comment on ideas 170back them up, and (3) nobody is obligated to review or comment on ideas
158posted by others. If a request-for-comments posting yields little in the 171posted by others. Beyond that, high-level designs often hide problems
159way of comments, do not assume that it means there is no interest in the 172which are only reviewed when somebody actually tries to implement those
160project. Unfortunately, you also cannot assume that there are no problems 173designs; for that reason, kernel developers would rather see the code.
161with your idea. The best thing to do in this situation is to proceed, 174
162keeping the community informed as you go. 175If a request-for-comments posting yields little in the way of comments, do
176not assume that it means there is no interest in the project.
177Unfortunately, you also cannot assume that there are no problems with your
178idea. The best thing to do in this situation is to proceed, keeping the
179community informed as you go.
163 180
164 181
1653.5: GETTING OFFICIAL BUY-IN 1823.5: GETTING OFFICIAL BUY-IN
diff --git a/Documentation/development-process/4.Coding b/Documentation/development-process/4.Coding
index 2278693c8ffa..f3f1a469443c 100644
--- a/Documentation/development-process/4.Coding
+++ b/Documentation/development-process/4.Coding
@@ -131,6 +131,11 @@ classic time/space tradeoff taught in beginning data structures classes
131often does not apply to contemporary hardware. Space *is* time, in that a 131often does not apply to contemporary hardware. Space *is* time, in that a
132larger program will run slower than one which is more compact. 132larger program will run slower than one which is more compact.
133 133
134More recent compilers take an increasingly active role in deciding whether
135a given function should actually be inlined or not. So the liberal
136placement of "inline" keywords may not just be excessive; it could also be
137irrelevant.
138
134 139
135* Locking 140* Locking
136 141
@@ -285,6 +290,13 @@ be found at https://sparse.wiki.kernel.org/index.php/Main_Page if your
285distributor does not package it); it can then be run on the code by adding 290distributor does not package it); it can then be run on the code by adding
286"C=1" to your make command. 291"C=1" to your make command.
287 292
293The "Coccinelle" tool (http://coccinelle.lip6.fr/) is able to find a wide
294variety of potential coding problems; it can also propose fixes for those
295problems. Quite a few "semantic patches" for the kernel have been packaged
296under the scripts/coccinelle directory; running "make coccicheck" will run
297through those semantic patches and report on any problems found. See
298Documentation/coccinelle.txt for more information.
299
288Other kinds of portability errors are best found by compiling your code for 300Other kinds of portability errors are best found by compiling your code for
289other architectures. If you do not happen to have an S/390 system or a 301other architectures. If you do not happen to have an S/390 system or a
290Blackfin development board handy, you can still perform the compilation 302Blackfin development board handy, you can still perform the compilation
@@ -308,7 +320,9 @@ The first piece of documentation for any patch is its associated
308changelog. Log entries should describe the problem being solved, the form 320changelog. Log entries should describe the problem being solved, the form
309of the solution, the people who worked on the patch, any relevant 321of the solution, the people who worked on the patch, any relevant
310effects on performance, and anything else that might be needed to 322effects on performance, and anything else that might be needed to
311understand the patch. 323understand the patch. Be sure that the changelog says *why* the patch is
324worth applying; a surprising number of developers fail to provide that
325information.
312 326
313Any code which adds a new user-space interface - including new sysfs or 327Any code which adds a new user-space interface - including new sysfs or
314/proc files - should include documentation of that interface which enables 328/proc files - should include documentation of that interface which enables
@@ -321,7 +335,7 @@ boot-time parameters. Any patch which adds new parameters should add the
321appropriate entries to this file. 335appropriate entries to this file.
322 336
323Any new configuration options must be accompanied by help text which 337Any new configuration options must be accompanied by help text which
324clearly explains the options and when the user might want to select them. 338clearly explains the options and when the user might want to select them.
325 339
326Internal API information for many subsystems is documented by way of 340Internal API information for many subsystems is documented by way of
327specially-formatted comments; these comments can be extracted and formatted 341specially-formatted comments; these comments can be extracted and formatted
@@ -372,7 +386,8 @@ which is broken by the change. For a widely-used function, this duty can
372lead to literally hundreds or thousands of changes - many of which are 386lead to literally hundreds or thousands of changes - many of which are
373likely to conflict with work being done by other developers. Needless to 387likely to conflict with work being done by other developers. Needless to
374say, this can be a large job, so it is best to be sure that the 388say, this can be a large job, so it is best to be sure that the
375justification is solid. 389justification is solid. Note that the Coccinelle tool can help with
390wide-ranging API changes.
376 391
377When making an incompatible API change, one should, whenever possible, 392When making an incompatible API change, one should, whenever possible,
378ensure that code which has not been updated is caught by the compiler. 393ensure that code which has not been updated is caught by the compiler.
diff --git a/Documentation/development-process/5.Posting b/Documentation/development-process/5.Posting
index f622c1e9f0f9..903a2546f138 100644
--- a/Documentation/development-process/5.Posting
+++ b/Documentation/development-process/5.Posting
@@ -60,12 +60,15 @@ even in the short term.
60 60
61Patches must be prepared against a specific version of the kernel. As a 61Patches must be prepared against a specific version of the kernel. As a
62general rule, a patch should be based on the current mainline as found in 62general rule, a patch should be based on the current mainline as found in
63Linus's git tree. It may become necessary to make versions against -mm, 63Linus's git tree. When basing on mainline, start with a well-known release
64linux-next, or a subsystem tree, though, to facilitate wider testing and 64point - a stable or -rc release - rather than branching off the mainline at
65review. Depending on the area of your patch and what is going on 65an arbitrary spot.
66elsewhere, basing a patch against these other trees can require a 66
67significant amount of work resolving conflicts and dealing with API 67It may become necessary to make versions against -mm, linux-next, or a
68changes. 68subsystem tree, though, to facilitate wider testing and review. Depending
69on the area of your patch and what is going on elsewhere, basing a patch
70against these other trees can require a significant amount of work
71resolving conflicts and dealing with API changes.
69 72
70Only the most simple changes should be formatted as a single patch; 73Only the most simple changes should be formatted as a single patch;
71everything else should be made as a logical series of changes. Splitting 74everything else should be made as a logical series of changes. Splitting
@@ -100,11 +103,11 @@ rules of thumb, however, which can help considerably:
100 result is a broken kernel, you will make life harder for developers and 103 result is a broken kernel, you will make life harder for developers and
101 users who are engaging in the noble work of tracking down problems. 104 users who are engaging in the noble work of tracking down problems.
102 105
103 - Do not overdo it, though. One developer recently posted a set of edits 106 - Do not overdo it, though. One developer once posted a set of edits
104 to a single file as 500 separate patches - an act which did not make him 107 to a single file as 500 separate patches - an act which did not make him
105 the most popular person on the kernel mailing list. A single patch can 108 the most popular person on the kernel mailing list. A single patch can
106 be reasonably large as long as it still contains a single *logical* 109 be reasonably large as long as it still contains a single *logical*
107 change. 110 change.
108 111
109 - It can be tempting to add a whole new infrastructure with a series of 112 - It can be tempting to add a whole new infrastructure with a series of
110 patches, but to leave that infrastructure unused until the final patch 113 patches, but to leave that infrastructure unused until the final patch
@@ -162,7 +165,8 @@ To that end, the summary line should describe the effects of and motivation
162for the change as well as possible given the one-line constraint. The 165for the change as well as possible given the one-line constraint. The
163detailed description can then amplify on those topics and provide any 166detailed description can then amplify on those topics and provide any
164needed additional information. If the patch fixes a bug, cite the commit 167needed additional information. If the patch fixes a bug, cite the commit
165which introduced the bug if possible. If a problem is associated with 168which introduced the bug if possible (and please provide both the commit ID
169and the title when citing commits). If a problem is associated with
166specific log or compiler output, include that output to help others 170specific log or compiler output, include that output to help others
167searching for a solution to the same problem. If the change is meant to 171searching for a solution to the same problem. If the change is meant to
168support other changes coming in later patch, say so. If internal APIs are 172support other changes coming in later patch, say so. If internal APIs are
@@ -230,7 +234,7 @@ take care of:
230 which have had gratuitous white-space changes or line wrapping performed 234 which have had gratuitous white-space changes or line wrapping performed
231 by the mail client will not apply at the other end, and often will not 235 by the mail client will not apply at the other end, and often will not
232 be examined in any detail. If there is any doubt at all, mail the patch 236 be examined in any detail. If there is any doubt at all, mail the patch
233 to yourself and convince yourself that it shows up intact. 237 to yourself and convince yourself that it shows up intact.
234 238
235 Documentation/email-clients.txt has some helpful hints on making 239 Documentation/email-clients.txt has some helpful hints on making
236 specific mail clients work for sending patches. 240 specific mail clients work for sending patches.
@@ -287,7 +291,7 @@ something like:
287 291
288where "nn" is the ordinal number of the patch, "mm" is the total number of 292where "nn" is the ordinal number of the patch, "mm" is the total number of
289patches in the series, and "subsys" is the name of the affected subsystem. 293patches in the series, and "subsys" is the name of the affected subsystem.
290Clearly, nn/mm can be omitted for a single, standalone patch. 294Clearly, nn/mm can be omitted for a single, standalone patch.
291 295
292If you have a significant series of patches, it is customary to send an 296If you have a significant series of patches, it is customary to send an
293introductory description as part zero. This convention is not universally 297introductory description as part zero. This convention is not universally
@@ -299,5 +303,5 @@ In general, the second and following parts of a multi-part patch should be
299sent as a reply to the first part so that they all thread together at the 303sent as a reply to the first part so that they all thread together at the
300receiving end. Tools like git and quilt have commands to mail out a set of 304receiving end. Tools like git and quilt have commands to mail out a set of
301patches with the proper threading. If you have a long series, though, and 305patches with the proper threading. If you have a long series, though, and
302are using git, please provide the --no-chain-reply-to option to avoid 306are using git, please stay away from the --chain-reply-to option to avoid
303creating exceptionally deep nesting. 307creating exceptionally deep nesting.
diff --git a/Documentation/development-process/6.Followthrough b/Documentation/development-process/6.Followthrough
index a8fba3d83a85..41d324a9420d 100644
--- a/Documentation/development-process/6.Followthrough
+++ b/Documentation/development-process/6.Followthrough
@@ -66,6 +66,11 @@ be easy to become blinded by your own solution to a problem to the point
66that you don't realize that something is fundamentally wrong or, perhaps, 66that you don't realize that something is fundamentally wrong or, perhaps,
67you're not even solving the right problem. 67you're not even solving the right problem.
68 68
69Andrew Morton has suggested that every review comment which does not result
70in a code change should result in an additional code comment instead; that
71can help future reviewers avoid the questions which came up the first time
72around.
73
69One fatal mistake is to ignore review comments in the hope that they will 74One fatal mistake is to ignore review comments in the hope that they will
70go away. They will not go away. If you repost code without having 75go away. They will not go away. If you repost code without having
71responded to the comments you got the time before, you're likely to find 76responded to the comments you got the time before, you're likely to find
@@ -100,7 +105,7 @@ entry into a subsystem maintainer's tree. How that works varies from one
100subsystem to the next; each maintainer has his or her own way of doing 105subsystem to the next; each maintainer has his or her own way of doing
101things. In particular, there may be more than one tree - one, perhaps, 106things. In particular, there may be more than one tree - one, perhaps,
102dedicated to patches planned for the next merge window, and another for 107dedicated to patches planned for the next merge window, and another for
103longer-term work. 108longer-term work.
104 109
105For patches applying to areas for which there is no obvious subsystem tree 110For patches applying to areas for which there is no obvious subsystem tree
106(memory management patches, for example), the default tree often ends up 111(memory management patches, for example), the default tree often ends up
@@ -109,11 +114,10 @@ through the -mm tree.
109 114
110Inclusion into a subsystem tree can bring a higher level of visibility to a 115Inclusion into a subsystem tree can bring a higher level of visibility to a
111patch. Now other developers working with that tree will get the patch by 116patch. Now other developers working with that tree will get the patch by
112default. Subsystem trees typically feed into -mm and linux-next as well, 117default. Subsystem trees typically feed linux-next as well, making their
113making their contents visible to the development community as a whole. At 118contents visible to the development community as a whole. At this point,
114this point, there's a good chance that you will get more comments from a 119there's a good chance that you will get more comments from a new set of
115new set of reviewers; these comments need to be answered as in the previous 120reviewers; these comments need to be answered as in the previous round.
116round.
117 121
118What may also happen at this point, depending on the nature of your patch, 122What may also happen at this point, depending on the nature of your patch,
119is that conflicts with work being done by others turn up. In the worst 123is that conflicts with work being done by others turn up. In the worst
diff --git a/Documentation/development-process/7.AdvancedTopics b/Documentation/development-process/7.AdvancedTopics
index 837179447e17..26dc3fa196e4 100644
--- a/Documentation/development-process/7.AdvancedTopics
+++ b/Documentation/development-process/7.AdvancedTopics
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ can affect your ability to get trees pulled in the future. Quoting Linus:
119 to trust things *without* then having to go and check every 119 to trust things *without* then having to go and check every
120 individual change by hand. 120 individual change by hand.
121 121
122(http://lwn.net/Articles/224135/). 122(http://lwn.net/Articles/224135/).
123 123
124To avoid this kind of situation, ensure that all patches within a given 124To avoid this kind of situation, ensure that all patches within a given
125branch stick closely to the associated topic; a "driver fixes" branch 125branch stick closely to the associated topic; a "driver fixes" branch
@@ -138,7 +138,7 @@ When requesting a pull, be sure to give all the relevant information: where
138your tree is, what branch to pull, and what changes will result from the 138your tree is, what branch to pull, and what changes will result from the
139pull. The git request-pull command can be helpful in this regard; it will 139pull. The git request-pull command can be helpful in this regard; it will
140format the request as other developers expect, and will also check to be 140format the request as other developers expect, and will also check to be
141sure that you have remembered to push those changes to the public server. 141sure that you have remembered to push those changes to the public server.
142 142
143 143
1447.2: REVIEWING PATCHES 1447.2: REVIEWING PATCHES
diff --git a/Documentation/dynamic-debug-howto.txt b/Documentation/dynamic-debug-howto.txt
index e6c4b757025b..f959909d7154 100644
--- a/Documentation/dynamic-debug-howto.txt
+++ b/Documentation/dynamic-debug-howto.txt
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ This document describes how to use the dynamic debug (ddebug) feature.
6 6
7Dynamic debug is designed to allow you to dynamically enable/disable kernel 7Dynamic debug is designed to allow you to dynamically enable/disable kernel
8code to obtain additional kernel information. Currently, if 8code to obtain additional kernel information. Currently, if
9CONFIG_DYNAMIC_DEBUG is set, then all pr_debug()/dev_debug() calls can be 9CONFIG_DYNAMIC_DEBUG is set, then all pr_debug()/dev_dbg() calls can be
10dynamically enabled per-callsite. 10dynamically enabled per-callsite.
11 11
12Dynamic debug has even more useful features: 12Dynamic debug has even more useful features:
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ Dynamic debug has even more useful features:
26Controlling dynamic debug Behaviour 26Controlling dynamic debug Behaviour
27=================================== 27===================================
28 28
29The behaviour of pr_debug()/dev_debug()s are controlled via writing to a 29The behaviour of pr_debug()/dev_dbg()s are controlled via writing to a
30control file in the 'debugfs' filesystem. Thus, you must first mount the debugfs 30control file in the 'debugfs' filesystem. Thus, you must first mount the debugfs
31filesystem, in order to make use of this feature. Subsequently, we refer to the 31filesystem, in order to make use of this feature. Subsequently, we refer to the
32control file as: <debugfs>/dynamic_debug/control. For example, if you want to 32control file as: <debugfs>/dynamic_debug/control. For example, if you want to