linux-kernel - Re: First kernel patch (optimization)

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Message-ID: <20150916164031.GH7394@thunk.org>
Date:	Wed, 16 Sep 2015 12:40:31 -0400
From:	Theodore Ts'o <tytso@....edu>
To:	Eric Curtin <ericcurtin17@...il.com>
Cc:	Greg KH <gregkh@...uxfoundation.org>,
	Austin S Hemmelgarn <ahferroin7@...il.com>,
	Steve Calfee <stevecalfee@...il.com>,
	Valentina Manea <valentina.manea.m@...il.com>,
	shuah.kh@...sung.com, USB list <linux-usb@...r.kernel.org>,
	Kernel development list <linux-kernel@...r.kernel.org>
Subject: Re: First kernel patch (optimization)

On Wed, Sep 16, 2015 at 05:03:39PM +0100, Eric Curtin wrote:
> Hi Greg,
> 
> As I said in the subject of the mail (which I have been since told I
> shouldn't have done this), I'm a noob to kernel code. I tried to pick
> off something super simple to just see what the process of getting a
> patch in is. Youtube videos and documentation only get you so far.
> 
> From reading your response, should I refrain from sending in these
> micro-optimizations in future? Getting in smaller patches is easier
> for me as I only do this in my spare time, which I don't have a lot
> of!

What I'd ask you to consider is what your end goal?  Is it just to
collect a scalp (woo hoo!  I've gotten a patch into the kernel)?  Or
is it to actually make things better for yourself or other users?  Or
are you trying to get make your self more employable, etc.

Micro-optimizations is often not particularly useful for anything
other than the first goal, and it really doesn't help anyone.

If you're just doing this in your spare time, then hopefully I hope
you are being choosy about what's the best way to use your spare time,
so the question of what your goals are going to be is a very important
thing for you to figure out.  Regardless of whether it's worthwhile to
get this patch into the kernel, doing any *more* micro-optimizations
is probably not a good use of your time or anyone else's.

I'd strongly encourage you to move on to something more than just
micro-optimizations as quickly as possible.

Best regards,

							- Ted
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