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Linux 2.6 and the ide-scsi module



I wanted to point to an article by Joe Barr at linux.com

http://programming.linux.com/article.pl?sid=03/12/09/1341236

Linux.com: Linux 2.6 and the ide-scsi Module

"If you've followed Linus Torvalds' postings on the Linux kernel mailing list (the LKML) for awhile, then you're aware of the high esteem he has for kernel code written with 'good taste.' It seems the highest compliment Linus ever pays to other kernel hackers is to refer to them as having 'good taste.' It's a compliment he has reserved for a very select few: Alan Cox and a handful of others. His disdain for code written in 'bad taste' appears to be just as strong as his appreciation of the good. Over the past few months, one particular kernel module has been the center of a mild controversy. On the surface the problem seemed at first to simply be a bug that was exposed in testing of the 2.6 kernel. But it's proved to be more serious than that: it's an example of 'bad taste.'

    "So what's the problem?

"The module is ide-scsi, and its function is/has been to provide a 'SCSI like' interface for certain non-SCSI devices and applications. Foremost among them, writable CD-Rom drives and the hugely popular cdrecord. As a result, some on the LKML have worried that a broken ide-scsi module is going to mean that those with ATAPI IDE tape drives, or digital cameras, or USB storage devices won't be able to use them with the new kernel..."



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