Re: [Ext2-devel] [RFC 0/13] extents and 48bit ext3

Chase Venters
2006-06-09T19:13:55Z

On Fri, 9 Jun 2006, Alan Cox wrote:

> Ar Gwe, 2006-06-09 am 13:50 -0500, ysgrifennodd Chase Venters:
>> It's about bundling. It's about being able to take your 3-year old
>> dependable car and make it faster by bolting on new manifolds and
>> turbochargers, rather than waiting a year for the manufacturer to release
>> a totally new model
>
> Unfortunately in the software case if you want it in the base kernel you
> are bolting new manifolds on everyones car at once, and someone is going
> to have an engine explode as a result.

Someone _could_ have an engine explode... it's perfectly possible though
that a well-tested 48-bit patch wouldn't cause anyone's ext3 to explode.
(After all, the vehicle analogy breaks down here - software doesn't get
worn out from being run at redline for too many miles.)

> Ext3 already has enough back compatiblity that you can replace the
> engine with a horse, we don't need any more in it thank you.

But just what are the costs at calling it quits now? Are we going to deny
users something they need?

>
> Alan
>