linux-kernel - Re: [GIT *] Allow request_firmware() to be satisfied from in-kernel, use it in more drivers.

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Message-ID: <487C585C.2060002@garzik.org>
Date:	Tue, 15 Jul 2008 03:57:16 -0400
From:	Jeff Garzik <jeff@...zik.org>
To:	Linus Torvalds <torvalds@...ux-foundation.org>
CC:	david@...g.hm, Arjan van de Ven <arjan@...radead.org>,
	Andrew Morton <akpm@...ux-foundation.org>,
	David Woodhouse <dwmw2@...radead.org>,
	alan@...rguk.ukuu.org.uk, linux-kernel@...r.kernel.org
Subject: Re: [GIT *] Allow request_firmware() to be satisfied from in-kernel,
 use it in more drivers.

Linus Torvalds wrote:
> On Mon, 14 Jul 2008, david@...g.hm wrote:
>> On Mon, 14 Jul 2008, Linus Torvalds wrote:
>>> That's a totally bogus argument.
>> you misunderstood me. the people pushing request_firmware() are doing so on
>> the basis that they won't have to use kernel ram to hold the firmware. the
>> people pushing for having the option of building the firmware into the module
>> are acknowleding that this may use a little more ram, but they see it as being
>> more reliable.
> 
> I'm just saying that it's a totally bogus argument to claim that it takes 
> less memory - Either way.

Agreed.


> As to reliability, I don't buy that, especially with a generic interface, 
> and with a way to link the thing in-kernel anyway. Using common 
> infrastructure is going to be more reliable.

A more complex, multi-file inter-dependent system is more reliable than 
a single-file driver with built-in firmware, doing the same thing?

Come _on_.

There are good arguments for request_firmware(), but that ain't it.


> The argument for request_firmware() is that it's a good _single_ interface 
> to the whole firmware issue, allowing us to split up the driver from the 
> firmware without every driver having to do some hack of its own.

Agreed.

	Jeff


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