The ~200 Line Linux Kernel Patch That Does Wonders

An anonymous reader writes "There is a relatively miniscule patch to the Linux kernel scheduler being queued up for Linux 2.6.38 that is proving to have dramatic results for those multi-tasking on the desktop. Phoronix is reporting the ~200 line Linux kernel patch that does wonders with before and after videos demonstrating the much-improved responsiveness and interactivity of the Linux desktop. While compiling the Linux kernel with 64 parallel jobs, 1080p video playback was still smooth, windows could be moved fluidly, and there was not nearly as much of a slowdown compared to when this patch was applied. Linus Torvalds has shared his thoughts on this patch: So I think this is firmly one of those 'real improvement' patches. Good job. Group scheduling goes from 'useful for some specific server loads' to 'that's a killer feature.'"

Comments

Re:Actually understand the benchmark, then critici

[ultranova]

Seriously, this is a major point to understand: When it comes to the kernel, in a fight between your knowledge and Linus', Linus wins.

You'd think so, but:

"Initially a Phoronix reader tipped us off this morning of this latest patch. "Please check this out, my desktop will never be the same again, it makes a *lot* of difference for desktop usage (all things smooth, scrolling etc.)...It feels as good as Con Kolivas's patches.""

Emphasis mine. Fuck Linus. All he cares is how well it works in 1024-core machines. It's a miracle if anything that's useful at desktop actually gets approved, so I suspect this patch will have some flaw found to stop such abomination from happening. And a flaw, of course, means that it won't scale to 4096-core machines, or helps desktop machines. Either will do.