Re: [2.6 patch] mfd/sm501.c: #if 0 unused functions

[Adrian Bunk <bunk@kernel.org>]

On Sun, Apr 13, 2008 at 09:08:31PM +0200, Jesper Juhl wrote:
> On 13/04/2008, Adrian Bunk <bunk@kernel.org> wrote:
> > On Sun, Apr 13, 2008 at 08:55:21PM +0200, Jesper Juhl wrote:
> >  > On 13/04/2008, Adrian Bunk <bunk@kernel.org> wrote:
> >  > > This patch #if 0's the following unused functions:
> >  > >  - sm501_find_clock()
> >  > >  - sm501_gpio_get()
> >  > >  - sm501_gpio_set()
> >  > >
> >  >
> >  > Hi Adrian,
> >  >
> >  > I know we've discussed this before, but I have to comment on this once more.
> >  >
> >  > Why is it that you seem to prefer adding '#if 0' around blocks of
> >  > unused code instead of removing it outright?
> >
> > >...
> >
> >  When I removed unused code outright some people complained that they
> >  plan to use it tomorrow or in the next millenium or whenever.
> >
> >  When I #if 0 it other people complain that I should remove it outright.
> >
> >  So whatever I do, there's always someone complaining.  ;-)
> >
> >  In this case the code looks as if it might get used at some point in the
> >  future.
> >
> >  But if a maintainer tells me to resend a patch with the code removed
> >  instead of #if 0'ed I'm always glad to do this.
> >
> But, you are completely ignoring the case of "the code is unused, but
> will probably be used soon, so I'll just leave it alone and avoid the
> churn".  Why? What's the point of commenting it out now and then
> enabling it again in a month or two - isn't that just pointless churn?
>...

It's unused since more than one year, so chances are it won't get used 
in a month or two.

As I said, if a maintainer wants me to remove it outright I'll be glad 
to do so.

And as I said, no matter whatever I do, there's always someone 
complaining...

cu
Adrian

-- 

       "Is there not promise of rain?" Ling Tan asked suddenly out
        of the darkness. There had been need of rain for many days.
       "Only a promise," Lao Er said.
                                       Pearl S. Buck - Dragon Seed