how to test a linux driver for SMP concurrency issues

how to test a linux driver for SMP concurrency issues

[Amit Nagal]

Hi ,

i want to test a linux driver to identify concurrecy issue that may
arise on a SMP system .
can i be advised with  usage of some tools / mechanisms , so that the
driver can be made SMP safe ?

Thanx & Regards
Amit Nagal

how to test a linux driver for SMP concurrency issues

[Daniel Baluta]

On Tue, Jun 28, 2011 at 3:36 PM, Amit Nagal <helloin.amit@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi ,
>
> i want to test a linux driver to identify concurrecy issue that may
> arise on a SMP system .
> can i be advised with ?usage of some tools / mechanisms , so that the
> driver can be made SMP safe ?

Hi,

Check make menuconfig -> Kernel Hacking section. lockdep seems the
tool to start with.

thanks,
Daniel.

how to test a linux driver for SMP concurrency issues

[Mulyadi Santosa]

Hi AMit...

On Tue, Jun 28, 2011 at 19:36, Amit Nagal <helloin.amit@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi ,
>
> i want to test a linux driver to identify concurrecy issue that may
> arise on a SMP system .
> can i be advised with ?usage of some tools / mechanisms , so that the
> driver can be made SMP safe ?

IMHO there is no easy answer here. What you need is careful code audit
and check the way you access shared resources
(variables/structures/etc).

Whenever you encounter such operations, decide whether you wanna make
it as fast path (must be done real quick) or slow path (longer delay
is acceptable).

In fast path, put spin locks locking/unlocking. In slow path, you
might use mutex or any kind of blocking locking.

-- 
regards,

Mulyadi Santosa
Freelance Linux trainer and consultant

blog: the-hydra.blogspot.com
training: mulyaditraining.blogspot.com