Re: NULL pointer dereference in pick_next_task_fair

Quentin Perret
2019-11-07T15:38:56Z

On Thursday 07 Nov 2019 at 14:26:28 (+0100), Peter Zijlstra wrote:
> Given that we're stuck with this order, the only solution is fixing
> the 'change' pattern. The simplest fix seems to be to 'absuse'
> p->on_cpu to carry more state. Adding more state to p->on_rq is
> possible but is far more invasive and also ends up duplicating much of
> the state we already carry in p->on_cpu.

I think there is another solution, which is to 'de-factorize' the call
to put_prev_task() (that is, have each class do it). I gave it a go and
I basically end up with something equivalent to reverting 67692435c411
("sched: Rework pick_next_task() slow-path"), which isn't the worst
solution IMO. I'm thinking at least we should consider it.

Now, 67692435c411 _is_ a nice clean-up, it's just a shame that the fix
on top isn't as nice (IMO). It might just be a matter of personal taste,
so I don't have a strong opinion on this :)

Thanks,
Quentin