[linux-audio-dev] Getting out of the software game

[Ross Vandegrift]

On Wed, Mar 14, 2007 at 07:57:06PM +0100, Fons Adriaensen wrote:
> > The interface does not change that fast.
> 
> But the argument that 'kernel developers need the freedom to change
> the driver interface when they want to' has been used as one of the
> reasons for not having a fixed BDI. Currently the interface _could_
> change at any time and you can't plan for it.
> 
> Same for 'if your driver is open source then it will be maintained
> by some volunteers.' Maybe it will, maybe not. It's understandable
> that some people don't want to base a business on that.

This isn't an issue if you release a driver as free software and preen
it for mainline inclusion.

Once a driver in using APIs in the mainline tree, it's easy to track
when API changes break it.  When a developer changes an API that
breaks your driver, it is typically up to the developer to update your
code for the API, not you!

So very specifically, it's *not* a planning or budgetary problem, if
you (with your vendor hat on), follow the standard procedures that
operate within Linux kernel development.

-- 
Ross Vandegrift
ross at kallisti.us

"The good Christian should beware of mathematicians, and all those who
make empty prophecies. The danger already exists that the mathematicians
have made a covenant with the devil to darken the spirit and to confine
man in the bonds of Hell."
	--St. Augustine, De Genesi ad Litteram, Book II, xviii, 37