Re: [PATCH] mfd: (max8997) Handle the potential error formfd_add_devices

From: Lee Jones
Date: Mon Dec 16 2013 - 12:43:15 EST


> Why is that bad? Cannot you just reply to the "top-post" sentence with
> dropping all the quotes below if that is what you wish?

Yes, only quote what you're replying to and quote _below_.

> >> > Please read and inwardly digest:
> >> > Documentation/email-clients.txt
> >>
> >> I have read that, however I still have certain restrictions here which
> >> are over the kernel community rules. That should not block a useful
> >> contribution in my opinion.
> >
> > Your email client does not prevent you from replying inline, which
> > you've proven by this email. Please abide by the rules if you're going
> > to contribute.
>
> Yes, I can spend more effort with it inconveniently,

Great, thanks.

<snip>

> > Please read:
> > Documentation/SubmittingPatches
> >
> > Specifically No2.
>
> I had read that, but as written, I am not sure what more you want to
> add. Should I replicate the title in the body, pretty much? Please be
> specific, and write what you would like to see in the body. I will
> copy/paste it. Currently, I am not sure.

A good commit for your patch might look like this:

mfd: max8997: Enforce mfd_add_devices() return value check

The original author provided a random return value check which is
redundant and seemingly floating. This patch not only relocates
the check so it is more clearly associated with the invokation of
mfd_add_devices(), but provides a store for the error value. We
also print a meaningful message on error before returning.

> > It's not my responsibility to fixup your patches for you. It's your
> > job to ensure they are correct on submission. I am happy to review
> > them for you and provide you with my comments, which I have done.
> >
> > Either fix them up and re-submit or don't. It's no skin off my nose.
>
> Well, maintainers do it from time to time they apply changes when it
> only needs a minor nitpick modification like this in the commit
> message, but it is no problem. I am fine the linux kernel not having
> this error check, at least for now. :-)

It's better that you do it yourself. If I fixed up everything that was
sent to me incorrect a) I'd have no time left and b) they'd never learn.

This is about teaching a man to fish.

> > The $SUBJECT line does not conform to what's expected of MFD commits.
> > The $SUBJECT line is vague and you are missing a commit body.
>
> As written, I am lost what I would need to add to the commit message.
> Please advise, and I will copy and paste that before resending.
>
> > Why have you removed this line?
>
> That is just noise. It is better not to remove it, thanks.
>
> > We're adding devices here, not cells.
> > "failed to add devices"
>
> That description is not chosen by me. Actually, that is coming from
> the other mfd drivers, particularly from the other existing MAXIM mfd
> driver. I would not personally break the consistency there.

Please reply to the patch in question, or else things could get
confusing.

--
Lee Jones
Linaro STMicroelectronics Landing Team Lead
Linaro.org â Open source software for ARM SoCs
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