Hey all,

So I'm finally feeling comfortable enough with my latest work on kernel
module ebuilds that I want to get some more eyes looking at it and
feedback before I start rolling out changes. Most of the info on the
work i've been doing is at bug #32737
(http://bugs.gentoo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=32737). Beware, it's a long one.
A doc aimed at developers on the topic is available at:
http://dev.gentoo.org/~latexer/2.6-koutput.html

First of all, this should in no way break 2.4 kernel module building at
all; the impetus for the changes was resolving issues with compiling
external modules against 2.6 kernel sources.

Second, the changes proposed to kernel-mod.eclass will *not* require
people to use the new method of outputting kernel output to seperate
directory. This is a new *feature* that will be unveiled eventually once
this is fully merged, but it is *not* a requirement. This should ease
the transition to this new method. I'm hoping the new method, which i've
dubbed "koutput," will be adopted by most users once it is available,
documentation is up, and the word is out.

The majority of wireless driver ebuilds, as well as nvidia-kernel have
been ported to the new kernel-mod eclass, and ati-drivers is next on my
list. What i'd like to finally see is a uniform documented, and
*VERSATILE* method for kernel modules which is suitable for 2.4, 2.6
with normal output, and with 2.6 and the new kbuild feature of
outputting to a second directory.

A few details may change, but the core of this work is done, and working
*very* well. What I need from people is comments on things, TESTING, and
help on getting other drivers i haven't gotten to yet ported. Also
things like genkernel, etc might need some small tweaking.

So please, discuss here, email me, bug me on irc in #gentoo-laptop, call
my apartment, stalk me by the guy i buy my NY times from in the morning,
whatever, as long as i can get more eyes on this and some testing from
the brave.

This is *not* a simple thing, as there's *LOTS* going on, so feel free
to ask if you need clarification on any points. I'm going to be
clarifying and expanding the developer doc a bit, and finishing a user
doc at some point soon.

*phew*

-pete
-- 
Peter Johanson
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

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