Re: [PATCH net-next v2] docs: ethtool: clarify the bit-by-bit bitset format description

From: Yohei Kojima

Date: Thu Feb 12 2026 - 11:49:11 EST


On Wed, Feb 11, 2026 at 12:55:55PM +0100, Paolo Abeni wrote:
> On 2/7/26 11:25 AM, Yohei Kojima wrote:
> > Clarify the bit-by-bit bitset format's behavior around mandatory
> > attributes and bit identification. More specifically, the following
> > changes are made:
> >
> > * Rephrase a misleading sentence which implies name and index are
> > mutually exclusive
> > * Describe that ETHTOOL_A_BITSET_BITS nest is mandatory
> > * Describe that a request fails if inconsistent identifiers are given
> >
> > Signed-off-by: Yohei Kojima <yk@xxxxxxxxx>
> > ---
> > Current ethtool-netlink documentation doesn't describe several behavior
> > around bit-by-bit bitset, which makes it hard to develop a ethtool
> > library without digging into the kernel code. This patch eases the gap
> > between the kernel behavior and the documentation by adding descriptions
> > around the mandatory attribute and bit identification.
>
> This needs review by someone provided with English natural language
> skills far better than mine. I'm wrapping the net-next PR right now;
> this has to be deferred after the merge window, I'm sorry.

Thank you for the response. It's okay, I understand maintainers are
super busy during this period.

FYI I've received a Reviewed-by from Jakub, so I believe it's ready for
merge after the merge window.

Thank you,
Yohei