linux-kernel - Re: [PATCH 4/4] atm/ambassador: kmalloc + memset conversion to kzalloc

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Message-ID: <alpine.LFD.0.9999.0711260619580.10766@localhost.localdomain>
Date:	Mon, 26 Nov 2007 06:20:34 -0500 (EST)
From:	"Robert P. J. Day" <rpjday@...shcourse.ca>
To:	Joonwoo Park <joonwpark81@...il.com>
cc:	netdev@...r.kernel.org, chas@....nrl.navy.mil,
	linux-kernel@...r.kernel.org
Subject: Re: [PATCH 4/4] atm/ambassador: kmalloc + memset conversion to
 kzalloc

On Mon, 26 Nov 2007, Joonwoo Park wrote:

> 2007/11/26, Robert P. J. Day <rpjday@...shcourse.ca>:
> > i realized that.  but all you can say is that only amb_init() calls
> > setup_dev() *currently*.  when you're not looking, someone else might
> > (for whatever reason) call setup_dev() from elsewhere, and *that* call
> > might not zero that memory area.
> >
> > IMHO, the only safe transforms of kmalloc+memset -> kzalloc are those
> > in which the flow of control is unmistakable and invariant.  splitting
> > that across a function call seems like a dangerous thing to do.
> > (except, of course, in the case, where the kzalloc() is added inside
> > the function -- then all callers are entitled to simplify *their*
> > code.  but that's different.)
> >
> > in any event, i just thought i'd point it out.  if you're absolutely
> > sure there will never be another call to setup_dev() from somewhere
> > else, then, yes, it's safe.
> >
>
> I understood your opinions. and partially agree with you.
> But isn't it a unfounded fear?

i don't know, i just thought i'd mention it.  if no one thinks it's an
issue, it's certainly fine with me.

rday

========================================================================
Robert P. J. Day
Linux Consulting, Training and Annoying Kernel Pedantry
Waterloo, Ontario, CANADA

http://crashcourse.ca
========================================================================
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