Re: [PATCH] Make `obsolete params' work correctly if MODULE_SYMBOL_PREFIX is non-empty

[Rusty Russell <rusty@rustcorp.com.au>]

In message <Pine.LNX.4.44.0301102134150.9532-100000@home.transmeta.com> you wri
te:
> 
> On Sat, 11 Jan 2003, Rusty Russell wrote:
> > 
> > Just in case someone names a variable over 2000 chars, and uses it as
> > an old-style module parameter?
> 
> No. Just because variable-sized arrays aren't C, and generate crappy code.
> 
> >  	for (i = 0; i < num; i++) {
> > +		char sym_name[strlen(obsparm[i].name)
> > +			     + sizeof(MODULE_SYMBOL_PREFIX)];
> 
> It's still there.

OK, *please* explain to me in little words so I can understand.

Variable-sized arrays are C, as of C99.  They've been a GNU extension
forever.

While gcc 2.95.4 generates fairly horrible code, gcc 3.0 does better
(the two compilers I have on my laptop).

Both generate correct code.

Speed is certainly of absolutely no importance here.

Changing it to do a kmalloc every time around the loop is complex,
inefficient, unneccessary, and introduces another failure path.

In summary, I can't see any reason why the clearest, simplest code
should be avoided.

Rusty.
--
  Anyone who quotes me in their sig is an idiot. -- Rusty Russell.