[Ksummit-2013-discuss] [ATTEND] Handling of devicetree bindings

[Guenter Roeck]

On Sat, Jul 13, 2013 at 10:00:20PM +0100, Wolfram Sang wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> > > The problem is now that most bindings come with the assorted drivers in
> > > one go via various subsystem trees. Since most maintainers do not have
> > > in-depth knowledge about devicetree bindings (no offence), bad bindings
> > 
> > Old saying ... I am trying hard to screw up as much as I can, but I can not
> > be everywhere.
> 
> Same here. I didn't say 'all maintainers', maybe I should have written
> 'enough' instead of 'most'.
> 
> > Just like with other subsystems, and possibly even more so, it is easy to get
> > wrong if one does not "live" with the devicetree concept in mind.
> 
> Exactly. This is why a "rule-of-thumb" session at KS may be helpful IMO.
> 
> > > I think the KS would be a good opportunity to present the status quo,
> > > show some rules of thumb and finally discuss if we can improve the
> > > process even further. E.g., should first the bindings be accepted, then
> > > the driver? What could be the process if the need for a generic binding
> > > arises? And spreading the word, so at least the basic issues are
> > > understood by most maintainers.
> > > 
> > Sounds like a good idea, but I think you'll need some deadline. When reviewing
> > hwmon drivers I usually wait for a couple of weeks if there is any feedback
> > from devicetree-discuss before I accept bindings, but what should I do
> > if there is no feedback ? Holding the driver hostage doesn't seem like a good
> > idea either.
> 
> I agree. We need to workout a mechanism how to 'escalate' things in case
> of problems. It would be great to maybe have that sorted out before KS,
> but anyway, I think a stauts quo at the KS is good to have anyhow.
> 
Definitely yes, though it might also be useful to have the same in a more public
event such as the Linux Plumbers conference. Some of us won't be at the KS.

> > Of course I could volunteer as devicetree co-maintainer or bindings reviewer,
> > but I don't think I have enough knowledge in that area. Which may be one
> > of the key problems for getting additional help.
> 
> I think learning by doing will be good enough. In uncertain cases, you
> could still ask more experienced people.
> 
For now I might start monitoring the devicetree-discuss list.

Thanks,
Guenter