Re: [RFC PATCH 0/5] add process_madvise() flags to modify behaviour

[Lorenzo Stoakes <lorenzo.stoakes@oracle.com>]

On Wed, May 21, 2025 at 05:57:48PM +0100, Usama Arif wrote:
>
>
> On 21/05/2025 17:28, Shakeel Butt wrote:
> > On Wed, May 21, 2025 at 05:21:19AM +0100, Lorenzo Stoakes wrote:
> >> On Tue, May 20, 2025 at 03:02:09PM -0700, Shakeel Butt wrote:
> >>
> > [...]
> >>
> >> So, something Liam mentioned off-list was the beautifully named
> >> 'mmadvise()'. Idea being that we have a system call _explicitly for_
> >> mm-wide modifications.
> >>
> >> With Barry's series doing a prctl() for something similar, and a whole host
> >> of mm->flags existing for modifying behaviour, it would seem a natural fit.
> >>
> >> I could do a respin that does something like this instead.
> >>
> >
> > Please let's first get consensus on this before starting the work.
> >
> > Usama, David, Johannes and others, WDYT?
> >
>
> I would like that. Introducing another method might make the conversation a
> lot more complex than it already is?

The argument is about prctl() vs. another method.

Another method was proposed, arguments were made that it didn't seem
suitable, so an alternative was proposed.

I'm really not sure what complexity this adds?

And what better means of comparing approaches than actual code? Isn't an
entirely theoretical discussion less helpful?

This feels a little like dismissing my input (and I note, Liam's points
remain unanswered), and I have to admit, that is a little upsetting.

But I suppose one has to have a thick skin in the kernel.

>
> I have addressed the feedback from Lorenzo for the prctl series, but am
> holding back sending it as RFC v4.
> The v3 has a NACK on it so I would imagine it would discourage people
> from reviewing it. If we are still progressing with sending patches, would it
> make sense for me to wait a couple of days to see if there are any more comments
> on it and send the RFC v4?

I've no problem with you respinning RFC"s, as I've said more than once. The
NACK has been explained to you, it's regrettable, but necessary I feel when
explicit agreed-upon review has not been actioned (obviously I realise it
was a mistake - but this doesn't make it less important to be clear like
this).

As to stopping and having a conversation about which way forward makes most
sense - I feel like that's what I've been trying to do the whole time? I
would like to think my input is of value, it is a pity that it seems that
it apparently is not.

I am obviously happy to hear other people's input. This is what I've been
working very hard to try to establish, partly by providing _actual code_ so
we can see how things compare.

It seems generally people don't have much of a strong opinion about the
interface, other than Liam (forgive me if I am misinterpreting you Liam and
please correct if so) and myself very strongly disliking prctl() for
numerous aforementioned reasons.

I would suggest that in that case, and since we maintain madvise()
interfaces, it would make sense for us therefore to pursue an alternative
approach.

But for the absolute best means of determining a way forward I'd suggest an
RFC is best.

Thanks.