Re: devicetree repository separation/migration

[Frank Rowand <frowand.list-Re5JQEeQqe8AvxtiuMwx3w@public.gmane.org>]

On 2/19/2014 10:46 AM, Jason Cooper wrote:
> On Tue, Feb 18, 2014 at 02:14:51PM -0800, Frank Rowand wrote:
>> On 2/18/2014 10:18 AM, Jason Cooper wrote:
>>> On Tue, Feb 18, 2014 at 04:57:50PM +0100, Sascha Hauer wrote:
>>>> On Mon, Feb 17, 2014 at 01:05:44PM -0500, Jason Cooper wrote:
>>> ...
>>>>>   - Is the Linux development workflow ready for devicetree to move out
>>>>>     of the Linux Kernel?
>>>>
>>>> I hope so since keeping the devicetrees in sync with the kernel is a
>>>> pain for all external users.
>>>
>>> Well, I haven't heard any screams yet.  I suspect people are waiting for
>>> details on the exact form it would take before complaining...
>>
>> < snip >
>>
>> Let me join the chorus of screams.
>>
>> I would venture that the number of linux kernel developers actively
>> touching device tree source files (and impacted by changes to them)
>> is vastly larger than any other set of developers.
>>
>> My experience in the kernel is already that finding working device
>> tree fragments that match current under development code is difficult.
>> (I am not trying to generalize for all systems, just the ones I use.)
>>
>> Moving the device tree source files out of the kernel git tree will
>> only make things worse.
> 
> Having written/applied a significant portion of the arm devicetree files
> for several SoCs over the past couple of years, I share your concern.
> The reason I bring this up is because I keep seeing the little churn
> here and there because we _can_.
> 
> I find it very similar to a teenager reaching adulthood.  At a certain
> point, the parents have to say "Get out, get a job, get your own place."
> It's hard for all parties involved, but it's the best thing for the
> young adult in the long run.  There's no substitute for living on your
> own and paying bills.

That is not exactly a technical reason (the teenager explanation).

> 
> I think the long term health of the devicetree would benefit greatly
> from being more detached than it currently is.  It would force everyone
> to "Pay the bills".
> 
> The time might not be right now, and it probably will take one of the
> more gradual forms Olof suggested.  But I think it should happen at some
> point to help it grow up.
> 
> And we still have the short term problem of facilitating other projects
> use of the devicetree.  Which can only make it more robust and accepted
> by default.

I am predicting increased pain for little gain if the dts files move out
of the linux kernel repository.

-Frnak

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