ATrpms' kernel modules (kmdls)

[Warren Togami]

Axel Thimm wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> where is the right place to discuss kernel modules, this list?

Yes here.

> 
> The dilemma is, that the methology used at ATrpms differs in some
> fundamental design parts from what is the current proposal, mostly the
> one spec/src.rpm for both userland and kmdl builds and simple
> unprepared upstream Sources:, and further derived concept
> bits.

This is not a "current proposal".  Over the course of literally YEARS 
Extras has discussed the standard.  Earlier this year Red Hat has 
officially ratified this as the kernel module standard for Core, Extras, 
and RHEL5+.

> 
> ATrpms' concept also supports RHEL3 and earlier FCs and even RHL
> releases (e.g. not dependending on availability of kernel-devel which
> doesn't exist for these distributions).
> 
> So my options are
> 
> o convince people about adopting ATrpms' methology
>   good: field-proven, easy maintenance, many users already accustomed
> 	to kmdls, works on RHEL3 and legacy, too
>   bad: Thorsten has put a lot of work in the current proposal,
>        different buildsystem adaption, danger of endless discussions
> 
> o fork packages (RHEL3 and legacy in ATrpms, other here)
>   good: all the bad above reversed
>   bad: double maintain them
> 
> o do nothing
>   good: no work ;)
>   bad: no packages :/
> 
> Maybe a compromise may look like
> 
> o Allow ATrpms' methology to enter the system
> o Allow kmdls to get submitted/reviewed
> o Modify the methology w/o breaking RHEL3/legacy stuff and w/o
>   breaking the user's interfacing (but potentially break the
>   packagers' interface if a better macro system is developed)
> 

Fedora packages are generally against keeping compatibility across many 
distributions.  The exception to this is if compatibility can be 
achieved without making the spec look incredibly messy.  In all other 
cases forking the package is exactly what is expected.

That being said, if you can point out ways in which to improve the 
current ratified standard, please start a discussion about specific 
things that can be improved about it.

Warren Togami
wtogami at redhat.com