Re: [linux-fbdev] New api again

[James S. <jsi...@su...>]

On Tue, 16 Jan 2001, Pete Zaitcev wrote:

> >     Since 2.4 is now out and the new console system is becoming stable its
> > time to discuss the new api for fbcon again. I updated skeletonfb for a
> > example and posted here. Feel free to addd input to the design.
> 
> Would you provide an executive summary of undelying reasons
> for the changes? For instance, "To remove race conditions
> inherent in the old API around functions such-and-such",
> or "to reduce complexity implementing feature this-and-athat".
> I cannot easily understand what you are trying to accomplish.

The main reason was to remove all the console related stuff of the 
fbdev drivers. The reasons for this was:

1) If changes or important bug fixes where to happen to the higher fbcon
   layers every fbdev driver would have to be changed. With the new api
   if changes happen to fbcon.c and friends we don't have to rewrite every
   fbdev driver.	

2) Make driver developement easier.

3) Alot of the console code in each fbdev driver is basically the same. So
   we have huge amounts of code duplication.