Re: First kernel patch (optimization)

[Raymond Jennings <shentino@gmail.com>]

On 09/16/15 09:40, Theodore Ts'o wrote:
> On Wed, Sep 16, 2015 at 05:03:39PM +0100, Eric Curtin wrote:
>> Hi Greg,
>>
>> As I said in the subject of the mail (which I have been since told I
>> shouldn't have done this), I'm a noob to kernel code. I tried to pick
>> off something super simple to just see what the process of getting a
>> patch in is. Youtube videos and documentation only get you so far.
>>
>>  From reading your response, should I refrain from sending in these
>> micro-optimizations in future? Getting in smaller patches is easier
>> for me as I only do this in my spare time, which I don't have a lot
>> of!
> What I'd ask you to consider is what your end goal?  Is it just to
> collect a scalp (woo hoo!  I've gotten a patch into the kernel)?  Or
> is it to actually make things better for yourself or other users?  Or
> are you trying to get make your self more employable, etc.
It could well be that he's wanting to practice getting used to the 
development process.

https://lkml.org/lkml/2004/12/20/255
> Micro-optimizations is often not particularly useful for anything
> other than the first goal, and it really doesn't help anyone.
>
> If you're just doing this in your spare time, then hopefully I hope
> you are being choosy about what's the best way to use your spare time,
> so the question of what your goals are going to be is a very important
> thing for you to figure out.  Regardless of whether it's worthwhile to
> get this patch into the kernel, doing any *more* micro-optimizations
> is probably not a good use of your time or anyone else's.
>
> I'd strongly encourage you to move on to something more than just
> micro-optimizations as quickly as possible.
Tytso is right here.  If you want to be useful you should find something 
with real impact once you've learned the ropes.


>
> Best regards,
>
> 							- Ted
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