Re: [PATCH] remove compat code for old devfs naming scheme

Richard Gooch (rgooch@ras.ucalgary.ca)
Tue, 14 May 2002 09:47:37 -0600


Christoph Hellwig writes:
> On Tue, May 14, 2002 at 08:59:41AM -0600, Richard Gooch wrote:
> > The reason to support it is because lots of people are depending on
> > it. A lot of systems would break for no real gain. This code is in the
> > init section, so the memory will be freed before init(8) starts.
> >
> > The code should stay. In 2.5, I can move it into the mini devfsd that
> > will go into the initial rootfs.
>
> Exactly how many system exist which
>
> a) still use the two or three year old devfs naming scheme for
> their root= command line
> b) use current 2.5 kernels

Those names are not really "old", but convenient shorthand. And it's
more systems than you think.

> and
>
> c) have users not capable of translating that syntax to either
> the new devfs or traditional Linux syntax?
>
> I don't think there are more then about ten, and no I _absolutely_
> do not consider that a reason to bloat the kernel, even if it is just
> source and image bloat.

A lot more people are using devfs than you realise. Removing the code
would screw them over. Leave it alone.

Regards,

Richard....
Permanent: rgooch@atnf.csiro.au
Current: rgooch@ras.ucalgary.ca
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