Re: DEVFSv50 and /dev/fb? (or /dev/fb/? ???)

Shawn Leas (sleas@ixion.honeywell.com)
Mon, 3 Aug 1998 20:49:58 -0500 (CDT)


On Tue, 4 Aug 1998, Richard Gooch wrote:
> Nathan Hand writes:
> > On Mon, 3 Aug 1998, Shawn Leas wrote:
> > > Well, I've just tried the device FS for the first time, and I must say I
> > > hope it's in the tree very soon!
> >
> > I agree. The devfs solves a number of problems neatly, and in some
> > ways can improve system performance.
> >
> > However I don't think devfs will make it into 2.2. Also the kernel
> > gods have (had?) some issues with the concept entirely.
>
> IIRC, only HPA has had strong objections. Other kernel gods have
> either been quiet or supportive. And don't give up on devfs making it
> into 2.2: last I heard Linus is still "actively considering" it.

I must take this opportunity to make a plea to Linus...

Due to problems with the network routing 'round here, I haven't been able
to look at the archives and grub in the archives for previous discussion.
However, I do know of a few reasons that I think the devfs is a good thing
for the kernel.

1) better device naming conventions. Some people will need some time to
get used to it, but hey, progress over whinings.

2) Speedups on heavily used large scale linux systems, not to mention
simply the ability to scale effectively. This is a MAJOR concern for 2.3,
considering 2.3 will be the base for the next stable release. Just
imagine the hardware we'll have by then!

3) TOTAL backwards compatibility. I'm using the alsa sound drivers, and
major/minor devices that are needed can be created normally. TTY devices
with /dev/tty? names and REAL major minor nodes can be autogenerated.

4) Richard Gooch is SUPER FAST with updates!!! C'mon?!?!?! Just having
such a proactive maintainer should make you happy enough to make room for
even just optional devfs in the official tree!

Three cheers for Richard!

-Shawn
(whose root partition is on /dev/ide/hd/c0b0t0u0p8)
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