Re: [PATCH] Linux-2.5 fix/improve get_pid()

[Helge Hafting <helgehaf@aitel.hist.no>]

"Albert D. Cahalan" wrote:

> The problem is screen space, pure and simple. If the
> default limit goes to over 1 billion, then "ps" output
> must wrap lines. There is no alternative, unless you
> think "System going down to reset PID numbers!" is OK.
> 

There is an alternative.  
Use 32-bit PID's, but with an additional rule for wraparound.
Simply wrap the PID when 
(nextPID > 2*number_of_processes && nextPID > 30000)
The latter one just to avoid wrapping at 10 when there are 
5 processes.  

This simple approach supports 32-bit PIDs for those 
that need them, while "ps" and friends always looks nice 
except for those who actually run large amounts of processes.
You won't get a very large PID unless you need to.

Helge Hafting