containers (was Re: -mm merge plans for 2.6.23)

[Andrew Morton]

On Wed, 11 Jul 2007 10:25:16 +0530 Srivatsa Vaddagiri <vatsa at linux.vnet.ibm.com> wrote:

> On Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 11:53:19AM -0700, Andrew Morton wrote:
> > On Tue, 10 Jul 2007 11:34:38 -0700
> > "Paul Menage" <menage at google.com> wrote:
> > 
> > > Andrew, how about we merge enough of the container framework to
> > > support CFS? Bits we could leave out for now include container_clone()
> > > support and the nsproxy subsystem, fork/exit callback hooks, and
> > > possibly leave cpusets alone for now (which would also mean we could
> > > skip the automatic release-agent stuff). I'm in Tokyo for the Linux
> > > Foundation Japan symposium right now, but I should be able to get the
> > > new patchset to you for Friday afternoon.
> > 
> > mm..  Given that you propose leaving bits out for the 2.6.23 merge, and
> > that changes are still pending and that nothing will _use_ the framework in
> > 2.6.23 [...]
> 
> Andrew,
> 	The cpu group scheduler is ready and waiting for the container patches 
> in 2.6.23 :)
> 
> Here are some options with us:
> 
> 	a. (As Paul says) merge enough of container patches to enable
> 	   its use with cfs group scheduler (and possibly cpusets?)
> 
> 	b. Enable group scheduling bits in 2.6.23 using the user-id grouping 
> 	   mechanism (aka fair user scheduler). For 2.6.24, we could remove 
> 	   this interface and use Paul's container patches instead. Since this 
> 	   means change of API interface between 2.6.23 and 2.6.24, I don't 
> 	   prefer this option.
> 
> 	c. Enable group scheduling bits only in -mm for now (2.6.23-mmX), using 
> 	   Paul's container patches. I can send you a short patch that hooks up 
> 	   cfs group scheduler with Paul's container infrastructure.
> 
> If a. is not possible, I would prefer c.
> 
> Let me know your thoughts ..

I'm inclined to take the cautious route here - I don't think people will be
dying for the CFS thingy (which I didn't even know about?) in .23, and it's
rather a lot of infrastructure to add for a CPU scheduler configurator
gadget (what does it do, anyway?)

We have plenty of stuff for 2.6.23 already ;)

Is this liveable with??