Re: [PATCH] Delete cryptoloop

[Andries Brouwer <Andries.Brouwer@cwi.nl>]

On Thu, Jul 29, 2004 at 01:23:35PM -0400, James Morris wrote:
> On Thu, 29 Jul 2004, Andries Brouwer wrote:
> 
> > # Part of the reason for dropping cryptoloop is to help dm-crypt
> > # mature more quickly.
> > 
> > A very strange reason. But maybe it fits in with dropping the idea
> > of a stable kernel.
> 
> Well, now that the kernel development model has changed (there may not be
> a 2.7 in the forseeable future), just when do you drop buggy, unmaintained
> code?

Most of the kernel is buggy.
Most of the kernel is unmaintained.

Drop code when it has become superfluous - the same functionality
is provided by other parts, less buggy, or better maintained, or
with other redeeming features. (But very slowly - try to preserve
kernel interface stability for several years.)

Drop code when it has become superfluous - the functionality is
not needed any more.

Drop code when it is broken - some change somewhere broke it,
and no kernel developer has the knowledge, or desire, or time,
to fix it.

Drop code when it has become a burden - when the need to keep it working
causes complications al over the place.


Andries