[PATCH V3 7/7] workqueue: Process extra works in rescuer when there are no more to rescue

From: Lai Jiangshan

Date: Fri Nov 21 2025 - 09:53:57 EST


From: Lai Jiangshan <jiangshan.ljs@xxxxxxxxxxxx>

Make the rescuer process more work on the last pwq when there are no
more to rescue for the whole workqueue to help the regular workers in
case it is a temporary relief and to reduce relapse.

Also limit the number of extra works.

Signed-off-by: Lai Jiangshan <jiangshan.ljs@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
---
kernel/workqueue.c | 24 ++++++++++++++++++++++--
1 file changed, 22 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/kernel/workqueue.c b/kernel/workqueue.c
index 9bc155545492..86acf2a9cd41 100644
--- a/kernel/workqueue.c
+++ b/kernel/workqueue.c
@@ -3473,10 +3473,30 @@ static bool assign_rescuer_work(struct pool_workqueue *pwq, struct worker *rescu
list_del_init(&cursor->entry);
}

- /* need rescue? */
- if (!pwq->nr_active || !need_to_create_worker(pool))
+ /* have work items to rescue? */
+ if (!pwq->nr_active)
return false;

+ /* need rescue? */
+ if (!need_to_create_worker(pool)) {
+ /*
+ * The pool has idle workers and doesn't need the rescuer, so it
+ * could simply return false here. However, the memory pressure
+ * might not be fully relieved, and if the regular workers later
+ * go to sleep and the pool runs out of idle workers, mayday
+ * would be triggered again.
+ *
+ * Do more work even if it doesn't need rescue, to help the
+ * regular workers in case it is a temporary relief and to
+ * reduce relapse.
+ *
+ * Unless the limit is reached or there are other PWQs needing
+ * help.
+ */
+ if (limited || !list_empty(&pwq->wq->maydays))
+ return false;
+ }
+
/* try to assign a work to rescue */
list_for_each_entry_safe_from(work, n, &pool->worklist, entry) {
if (get_work_pwq(work) != pwq)
--
2.19.1.6.gb485710b