linux-kernel - Re: [PATCH 2/2] scsi: don't use execute_in_process

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Date:	Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:19:17 +0100
From:	Tejun Heo <tj@...nel.org>
To:	James Bottomley <James.Bottomley@...e.de>
CC:	Linux SCSI List <linux-scsi@...r.kernel.org>,
	FUJITA Tomonori <fujita.tomonori@....ntt.co.jp>,
	lkml <linux-kernel@...r.kernel.org>
Subject: Re: [PATCH 2/2] scsi: don't use execute_in_process_context()

Hello,

On 12/15/2010 08:10 PM, James Bottomley wrote:
>> Yes, it would do, but we were already too far with the existing
>> implementation and I don't agree we need more when replacing it with
>> usual workqueue usage would remove the issue.  So, when we actually
>> need them, let's consider that or any other way to do it, please.
>> A core API with only a few users which can be easily replaced isn't
>> really worth keeping around.  Wouldn't you agree?
> 
> Not really ... since the fix is small and obvious.

IMHO, it's a bit too subtle to be a good API.  The callee is called
under different (locking) context depending on the callsite and I've
been already bitten enough times from implicit THIS_MODULEs.  Both
properties increase possbility of introducing problems which can be
quite difficult to detect and reproduce.

> Plus now it can't be moved into SCSI because I need the unremovable
> call chain.

Yes, with the proposed change, it cannot be moved to SCSI.

> Show me how you propose to fix it differently first, since we both agree
> the initial attempt doesn't work, and we can take the discussion from
> there.

Given that the structures containing the work items are dynamically
allocated, I would introduce a scsi_wq, unconditionally schedule
release works on them and flush them before unloading.  Please note
that workqueues no longer require dedicated threads, so it's quite
cheap.

Thanks.

-- 
tejun
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