Re: [boost] [linux drivers] Is it possible to use boost in a Linux driver?

Subject: Re: [boost] [linux drivers] Is it possible to use boost in a Linux driver?
From: Othman, Ossama (ossama.othman_at_[hidden])
Date: 2009-01-13 18:20:35

Hi Stefan,

>Othman, Ossama wrote:
>> For reference, here's the Linux kernel FAQ item on C++ in the kernel
>(including drivers):
>>
>> 	http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/docs/lkml/#s15-3
>>
>
>Hmm, unfortunately that page has a very low signal-to-noise ratio. There
>is little actual information to be found there, only folklore (which may
>or may not be true).

Yes indeed.

>In particular, the often heard claim about "C++ is slow" and "C++
>compilers suck" needs to be substantiated by real numbers / comparisons.
>(I'm working in High Performance Computing, working mostly with C++.)

Quite right.

>The one real argument unfortunately only alluded to is exception
>handling (stack unwinding). It would be nice to have a technically
>accurate description of the involved mechanism (let's take the now
>established C++ ABI for that) and discuss why it is hard / impossible to
>use in kernel code.
>
>I'm sure there are a great many good discussions to be had over this
>(and I do know that C++ and POSIX folks like to get into those), but the
>above page just isn't a good resource to get informed, unfortunately.

I agree.  I just wanted to point out that getting C++ code into the kernel is essentially non-starter.  Even those writing drivers that won't be going into the kernel (such as proprietary drivers) and contain C++ will most likely have a tough time due to lack of support from the kernel and many kernel developers.

Thanks,
-Ossama