On Tue, 22 Aug 2000, Paul Mackerras wrote:
> Linus Torvalds writes:
>
> > I think drivers/input _is_ a good solution.
>
> So, do you think the input layer is a good solution generally?
> Should PC keyboards and mice go through it, for example?
> Or is it unnecessary extra complication?
I think it might be a good idea in a perfect world.
However, it's really hard to make that concept do the right thing for
serial mice, for example. Which in my opinion waters down the advantages
of the input approach quit a lot.
Basically, because we cannot reasonably do a good job for serial mice,
we'll always be in the situation that the X server needs to be able to
handle different mice. Which in my opinion makes it redundant in the
kernel: while I know that things like GPM etc use mouse devices directly,
I'm personally convinced that in the bigger picture the only thing that
really matters is X.
And X handles multiple input devices quite nicely, these days. That didn't
use to be the case. So the advantage of having an input layer in the
kernel is greatly diminished - and basically nonexistent if X still has to
be able to do different mice.
> There is a push on to make ADB keyboards and mice go through the input
> layer in the PPC port, but no-one has explained to me what we would
> gain from that.
Quite frankly, I think that input to a large degree was a thing where the
argument for it has gone away. I suspect the GGI people are the only ones
who _really_ feel they have to have it.
Linus
-
To unsubscribe from this list: send the line "unsubscribe linux-kernel" in
the body of a message to majordomo@vger.kernel.org
Please read the FAQ at http://www.tux.org/lkml/
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Wed Aug 23 2000 - 21:00:06 EST