Re: Source code compatibility in Stable series????

Rogier Wolff (R.E.Wolff@BitWizard.nl)
Fri, 11 May 2001 12:39:29 +0200 (MEST)

Andi Kleen wrote:
> On Fri, May 11, 2001 at 12:21:59PM +0000, Petr Vandrovec wrote:
> > When I was updating VMware's vmnet, I decided to use
> >
> > #ifdef skb_shinfo
>
> Yes I forgot that RedHat already shipped it :-(
>
> > This gives you maximal backward compatibility, as all public zerocopy
> > patches contain this macro. Only thing is that Dave has to remember
> > that when he turns skb_shinfo into inline function, an identity #define have
> > to be added.
>
> No such guarantee for binary only software ;)

Right. I therefore refuse to maintain binary modules for my
clients. This usually convinces them to release source code.

But it's always been said that source code compatiblity would be
maintained. I'm a bit pissed that people just go about changing public
source-level interfaces.

Roger. 

-- 
** R.E.Wolff@BitWizard.nl ** http://www.BitWizard.nl/ ** +31-15-2137555 **
*-- BitWizard writes Linux device drivers for any device you may have! --*
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* There are also old, bald pilots. 
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