Re: devicetree repository separation/migration

[Jason Cooper <jason-NLaQJdtUoK4Be96aLqz0jA@public.gmane.org>]

On Tue, Feb 18, 2014 at 02:14:51PM -0800, Frank Rowand wrote:
> On 2/18/2014 10:18 AM, Jason Cooper wrote:
> > On Tue, Feb 18, 2014 at 04:57:50PM +0100, Sascha Hauer wrote:
> >> On Mon, Feb 17, 2014 at 01:05:44PM -0500, Jason Cooper wrote:
> > ...
> >>>   - Is the Linux development workflow ready for devicetree to move out
> >>>     of the Linux Kernel?
> >>
> >> I hope so since keeping the devicetrees in sync with the kernel is a
> >> pain for all external users.
> > 
> > Well, I haven't heard any screams yet.  I suspect people are waiting for
> > details on the exact form it would take before complaining...
> 
> < snip >
> 
> Let me join the chorus of screams.
> 
> I would venture that the number of linux kernel developers actively
> touching device tree source files (and impacted by changes to them)
> is vastly larger than any other set of developers.
> 
> My experience in the kernel is already that finding working device
> tree fragments that match current under development code is difficult.
> (I am not trying to generalize for all systems, just the ones I use.)
> 
> Moving the device tree source files out of the kernel git tree will
> only make things worse.

Having written/applied a significant portion of the arm devicetree files
for several SoCs over the past couple of years, I share your concern.
The reason I bring this up is because I keep seeing the little churn
here and there because we _can_.

I find it very similar to a teenager reaching adulthood.  At a certain
point, the parents have to say "Get out, get a job, get your own place."
It's hard for all parties involved, but it's the best thing for the
young adult in the long run.  There's no substitute for living on your
own and paying bills.

I think the long term health of the devicetree would benefit greatly
from being more detached than it currently is.  It would force everyone
to "Pay the bills".

The time might not be right now, and it probably will take one of the
more gradual forms Olof suggested.  But I think it should happen at some
point to help it grow up.

And we still have the short term problem of facilitating other projects
use of the devicetree.  Which can only make it more robust and accepted
by default.

thx,

Jason.
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