Re: To what extent should Debian modify the kernel? (Re: Debian should not modify the kernels!)
On Mon, Sep 22, 2003 at 09:30:28PM +1000, Herbert Xu wrote:
> Matt Zimmerman <mdz@debian.org> wrote:
> >
> > So, I'm curious why you chose to make it a part of the Debian kernel source,
> > rather than a separate patch (kernel-patch-ipsec or such).
>
> Well the reason for it to be in the default kernel-source is simple:
>
> The patch should be used on all default Debian kernel images unless
> the arch maintainer chooses to override it.
But what are the criteria for what should be used on all default Debian
kernel images? You seem to address this below...
> > I suppose the more fundamental question is, what is your vision for the
> > Debian kernel source? What do you feel belongs there, and what does not?
>
> Perhaps vision is too strong a word.
>
> I have some simple checks when it comes to patch inclusion:
>
> * Is it actively maintained by someone?
>
> If it's not maintained then there is very little chance for me to
> include it as I have no time in fixing random breakages.
>
> * If it's a feature, can it be disabled/enabled at runtime?
>
> Sinec we're making generic kernels, this is a must. The presence
> of the patch should not prevent me from doing something that I would
> otherwise be able to do.
>
> If the patch only produces a module then it obviously passes this test.
>
> * If it's a bug fix, how bad are its side-effects?
>
> I'm not going to accept any bug fix that makes the kernel better for
> 10% of the users but worse for the other 90%.
>
> * What size impact does it have to the binary kernel image?
>
> This is very important for the debian-boot team.
>
> Again it would be best if it was completely modularised.
OK, these are very minimal criteria, and I think that probably many of the
kernel-patch packages in Debian would fit them. Where would you draw the
line?
I currently patch my kernels with device-mapper, a few evms-related patches
and skas3. It would be very convenient if device-mapper and the evms
patches could be included in the the stock kernel; then users could use EVMS
or LVM2 in stock kernel images. This is especially useful in the installer
kernels.
--
- mdz
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