Re: Definitions

[Alan Cox]

I dont think there is a simple answer

Clear bug fixes

o	if I do this it crashes the kernel. This patch stops it
o	if I do this it violates the standard

Clearly new stuff

o	New file system
o	Rewriting the VM
o	Adding all the flash device support

Now of the new there are three categories:

1.	A driver or file system or protocol stack using existing interfaces that
	makes no change to the rest of the kernel. If turning the module otpion
	off gives a kernel that has no changes then this is good.

	These kind of things can be added almost any time as they dont impact
	stability for anyone else and a bad driver is generally better than
	no support

2.	Stuff that tweaks internals a bit (extreme case rewriting the VM). 
	You get it wrong and everyone gets crashes. Has to be done with care
	well tested and preferably earlier in the cycle

3.	Changing the interfaces themselves and breaking all drivers or all
	file systems. This should be done early. Some of Al Viro's stuff
	was late (but probably wise in the long term) and this caused a fair
	bit of friction

Alan